Monty Don says one garden task is 'most essential' throughout autumn

As autumn arrives and wetter weather sweeps the nation, Monty Don has revealed the 'biggest and most important' gardening task of this season.

During the months of September and October, it's crucial for green-fingered enthusiasts to begin preparing their gardens for thriving crops and blooms the following spring. 

According to Monty Don, now is the time for gardeners to consider preparing their bulbs for next year - and he insists an unlikely agent added to compost can accelerate their growth. 

In the latest episode of BBC Gardeners' World, the 69-year-old horticulturalist revealed he has been adding grit to his fertiliser ahead of planting his bulbs. 

He said: 'We're at that time of year when planting spring bulbs is the biggest and essential job for the rest of this month and throughout October. 

'I try and get in all my spring bulbs both into the ground, into grass, into pots - except for tulips. So: daffodils, irises, scillas, muscari. And some hyacinths.'

According to experts at Corker Outdoor Living, using horticultural grit improves soil fertility by creating small pockets that hold air and water, essential for healthy plant growth.

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Monty highlighted the importance of drainage when preparing bulbs, as he demonstrated using a pot with a large draining hole at the bottom and smaller side holes, while covering the bottom with a crock.

The gardening guru also issued a word of warning for flora fanatics who may be growing hyacinths especially for the festive season. 

According to Monty, hyacinths are a spring-blooming perennial, meaning they can only grow if they're heat-treated during the colder months of the year. 

The expert also explained that autumn is a fantastic time for planting bulbs because the ground is still warm, meaning roots can start growing ahead of the harsh months of winter. 

As reported by The Express, Monty previously noted that bulbs are 'better planted' in September if 'you can get it done.'

However, the task can be carried out throughout October - though Monty warned that gardeners should refrain from planting tulips until November and December. 

Meanwhile, experts have issued an urgent warning for UK gardeners ahead of anticipated rainy September weather.

After a gloomy summer, more rain is expected in the coming weeks - providing the perfect conditions for pesky slugs and snails to begin laying their eggs for next year.

To avoid the pests taking over your garden, experts have recommended a cheap and sustainable solution - and one that you'll likely already have in your store cupboards.

By using instant coffee or coffee grounds, experts say you can provide an effective repellant against slugs, but you'll need to be quick.

Studies have found that coffee grounds can fertilise soil, fuel the growth of vegetables and drive away pests.