FEATURE: AUTUMN & WINTER PREP


HOW TO PREPARE THE BEST CROPS FOR YOUR AUTUMN GARDEN


With the summer coming to an end, gardeners are being advised to plant their outdoor spaces early to ensure their crops thrive this autumn. The outdoor experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared their advice on how to plant crops successfully ahead of the change in weather.


Gardeners are being urged to prepare their crops early ahead of autumn


crops grow easier without being covered in weeds.


Invest in a rake Make sure to have a rake ready for the mound of fallen leaves which will take their place in the garden throughout autumn. It’ll clear the space quickly and allows for the crops to grow perfectly in an open space.


Prepare the soil


It’s the perfect time to prepare your soil after being exposed to heat the last few months. Place some compost and organic matter into the ground to improve the soil before the frosty weather approaches. This will allow for the crops to thrive in time.


A s rainy days,


stronger winds and cloudy skies await, it’s best to start planting veggies in the ground


early to guarantee the best results later down the line. Cleaning up the space and preparing the soil early are some simple ways to start ensuring your garden batches grow smoothly this autumn. A spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct says: “As the summer season comes to an end, it’s now the prime time for gardeners to get planting and help maintain the health of their garden. “It’s important to prepare your


garden before the frost arrives as the harsh weather can make it more difficult for crops to rise in the colder months. “There’s nothing gardeners love more than a seasonal refresh. Simple tips such as getting out the lawnmower and removing any dead plants will help turn your garden into the perfect space to grow crops this autumn.” Here are Garden Building Direct’s useful tips to grow your crops ready for autumn:


Clean up the space Get started by cleaning up the


12 DIY WEEK SEPTEMBER 2022


garden to refresh the space ahead of planting your new crops. Make sure to check all four edges of the garden for any scattered debris and outline where you’ll plot your flowers and veggie patches.


Cut any tall grass


It’s time to get out the lawnmower. Before any planting takes place, make sure that the grass is cut down


to a suitable length. However, don’t mow the lawn when there’s heavy rainfall, otherwise it’ll make it more difficult to tidy the space.


Remove any dead plants Pull up the dead plants and weeds so that you’re ready for a refresh for the new season. Getting everything clean by creating a fresh outdoor area will help the


Plant the veggies Finally, it’s time to get the crops in the ground! Make sure to plant the vegetables which thrive best in the autumn season. Beetroot, cauliflower and cabbage are some of the veggies which grow best in autumn - perfect for the Sunday roast.


• For more ways to prepare your garden ahead of the seasonal change, head over to GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk.


ACT NOW FOR FEWER SLUGS NEXT SPRING


Early autumn is the perfect time to start protecting outdoor plants and furniture from the winter weather, and to plan the garden for next year. Now’s the time to select and plant spring bulbs, cut back hedges and foliage to make maintenance in spring easier and to clean up patios and decking. Another important job to tick off the list is slug control. Nemaslug can still be applied in the autumn, so long as the soil temperature is above 5˚C (41˚F), and an autumn application comes with multiple benefits. There are still slugs around at this time of year, hoping to nibble on your plants, so an application now will help to put a stop to that, with


the product staying active in the soil for up to six weeks. Another benefit of autumn application is that it will reduce the number of slugs laying eggs and consequently reduce the new population emerging in the spring. Unlike some other slug control methods, Nemaslug actually works even better in wet weather too as it isn’t diluted or washed away, and is applied directly into the soil, which is where slugs typically dwell, making it great for application at this time of year.


Nematodes occur naturally in the soil and seek out and kill specific target pests. They attack the pest by entering its body and releasing a bacterium which quickly and effectively kills it. By tapping into the benefits of this naturally


occurring friend of the gardener,


soil can remain healthy, while ensuring slugs are conquered and plants protected.


• For further information please visit www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.


www.diyweek.net


Photo: Pexels


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