Prepare Your Garden For Autumn In The South West

Autumn is a wonderful season in WA's southwest, with mild temperatures, sunny days, and beautiful colours everywhere you look. It’s also a great time to get your garden ready for the winter months ahead.

We've put together some autumn gardening tips that will help you keep your garden healthy, beautiful, and productive as the season changes.

1. Fertilise your lawn and garden. Autumn is the best time to fertilise, as it will help your lawn grass adn gardens to grow strong roots and store away nutrients for the winter. Fertilising in autumn can also prevent winter damage, promote spring growth, and improve the overall appearance of your lawn and platns. Find a slow-release fertiliser that is suitable for your type of grass and soil. Bio Soil Solutions has a range of certified organic fertilizers and soil innoculants that restore the microbiome of the soil. check out our range here.
2. Prune your trees and shrubs. Pruning your trees and shrubs in autumn can help them to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth in spring. Pruning can also improve the air circulation and light penetration into your garden, which can prevent pests and diseases. You can use sharp and clean tools to prune your trees and shrubs, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
3. Plant bulbs. Autumn is the ideal time to plant bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses in Perth, as they will bloom in spring and add a splash of colour to your garden. You can choose bulbs that are suitable for your climate and soil, and plant them in well-drained and sunny spots. You can also mix some compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.
4. Mulch your garden. Mulching your garden in autumn can help to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, protect the soil from erosion, and enrich the soil with organic matter. Mulching can also keep your plants warm and cosy during the winter, and prevent frost damage. You can use organic materials such as straw, leaves, bark, or wood chips to mulch your garden, and spread them evenly around your plants, leaving some space around the stems.
5. Plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Autumn is a great time to plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as the weather is still warm enough for them to grow and establish, but not too hot to cause stress or bolting. Some of the best fruits, vegetables, and herbs to plant during autumn include apples, pears, figs, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, basil, chives, and thyme . You can plant them in raised beds, containers, or pots, and water them regularly and deeply.
6. Clean up your garden. Autumn is also a good time to clean up your garden and get rid of any debris, weeds, or pests that may have accumulated over the summer. You can rake up and dispose of any fallen leaves, twigs, or fruits, as they can harbour fungi, bacteria, or insects that can harm your plants. You can also pull out any weeds that may compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and space. You can also check your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, and treat them accordingly.
7. Enjoy your garden. Last but not least, autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy your garden and appreciate its beauty and bounty. You can relax and unwind in your garden, watch the wildlife, and harvest your fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This is the pay-off for all your hard work! Once you've prepared your garden for autumn, you'll be able to make the most of it before winter traps us all indoors. Then we can all look forward to spring!

Autumn gardening in our southwest can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you prepare your garden for the winter, and enjoy its beauty and productivity right now. These autumn gardening tips will ensure that your garden stays healthy, beautiful, and productive into the cooler months to come.🌻