Autumn gardening

Create your own leaf mould - which you can use to mulch your tree - adding the nutrients back to the soil

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We’ve had a fantastic summer this year and now a stunning autumn is upon us.

Although trees and gardens need less attention at this time of year, there’s still plenty to do outside to make sure we’re in good shape for next spring.

Trees:
Whether you have a tree outside the front of your house, in the street or in your own garden, you can still care for and enjoy it at this time of year. Many trees become dormant in the winter, with deciduous varieties shedding their leaves until spring. These leaves contain lots of nutrients, so don’t take them to the tip.

Follow our simple guide and create your own leaf mould - which you can use to mulch your tree - adding the nutrients back to the soil:

• Step one – rake up fallen leaves, you can mix all different types together
• Step two - water them a little, this helps them to rot
• Step three – pack them into a suitable container, black bin bags work well. Make a few holes in the bottom and loosely tie the bag closed
• Step four – leave the bags for a year or two
• Step five – after a couple of years, use the leaf mould to mulch your trees. Put a thin ring around your tree over the roots but avoid the mould touching the bark as this could cause the tree to rot. You can also use this to mulch your garden or to cover winter soil, it is fantastic free fertiliser.

Birds:
Now is the time to start feeding the birds. Add a feeder to a tree in your street to help the birds out during the harsh winter months. Birds love fat balls, you can buy them or make your own from left over cooking fat. The RSPB has some great advice for keen birders.

Bulbs:
By planning ahead a little we can make sure springtime is a riot of colour. Plant bulbs now and in February and March you’ll be treated to a carpet of cheerful flowers. If you go for a range of bulbs, you’ll have waves of flowers, plant snowdrops for early glimmers of spring, crocus, daffodils and tulips will see you though to the flush of garden growth in May. If you are planting bulbs around a tree, don’t dig too deep because this may disturb the roots. Bulbs like a little mulch too so add some leaf mould if you have it ready.