Gardeners urged to complete five key jobs this month ahead of winter

Gardening experts have issued a warning about five crucial tasks that need to be completed this month. Autumn is the season when gardeners should be preparing for the colder winter months.

While some plants are hardy, others will need extra care and attention, and lawns can present their own set of challenges. Lakeland Gardens has said "it is time to turn our minds to the various jobs that the coming season requires of us in the garden" and has compiled a list of five things that need to be done soon.

So, what are they?

Trimming plants.

At this time of year, leaves on herbaceous perennials (plants with non-woody stems) can start to brown, indicating it's time to trim them back. Lakeland Gardens advises: "Ideally trim the dead foliage off to a couple of inches above the crown of the plant, avoiding any new shoots that are hiding in amongst the old leaves. There are however some perennials such as honesty, teasle, eryngium and many grasses that can add an element of structure and movement to a winter garden, and will happily wait until the spring to be cut back.", reports the Mirror.

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Relocating plants.

Not all plants are robust enough to survive the winter outdoors, so some may need a bit more TLC. If possible, move these more vulnerable plants into a shed or greenhouse.

For those plants that need wrapping, this can be done after the first frost.

Splitting plants.

Lakeland Gardens suggests that autumn is the perfect time to divide plants. "Not only does the rain take a vital job away from you, but there is time remaining for the plants to establish themselves in their new position before the ground becomes frozen in the winter," the experts advised.

When it comes to planting trees, autumn is the ideal season as it allows them to "establish and settle into their new home before the cold of winter arrives", according to Lakeland Gardens. The winter rainfall will assist with watering them.

For those planning to plant bare root trees, it's best to wait until November to March due to the plant's dormant period.

Your lawn can take quite a beating over the summer months due to increased usage during the sunny weather. Autumn and winter provide the perfect opportunity for your lawn to recover and flourish again by springtime.

This month is an excellent time for the last cut of the year. Lakeland Gardens recommends trimming it to around two inches as this leaves enough foliage for the grass to photosynthesise, while also preventing it from being flattened by snowfall.

Scarifying the lawn with a rake is also beneficial. Lakeland Gardens explained that this will "aid drainage and refresh the root system, giving a thicker, healthier lawn for the following year".

Don't forget to add some grass seeds to any bare patches on the lawn.