Gardening expert Liam Cleary has warned that gardeners have just one week to act before autumn officially begins on 22 September. Here are the three things you need to do
One important job is watering the garden deeply(Image: Getty)
Gardeners across Britain have been warned they have just days left to rescue their plants before autumn arrives.
Despite the calendar showing we’re still in summer, many gardens are displaying signs of what experts call “false autumn” – a stress response triggered by this year’s extreme weather conditions.
The Met Office confirms that severe heat can cause plants to behave as though the seasons have changed, even whilst we’re technically still in summer.
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With astronomical autumn officially starting on 22nd September, there’s precious little time remaining to undo the damage.
“False autumn isn’t a picturesque seasonal change. It’s a warning sign that gardens are in distress,” warns Liam Cleary, gardening expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, reports the Express.
“Acting now could be the difference between losing plants this winter or seeing them thrive next spring. If you don’t help your plants recover before colder weather sets in, the stress of false autumn could leave them too weak to survive the winter.
“Weeks of high temperatures left soil baked and compacted, meaning even recent rainfall hasn’t been able to penetrate deeply enough to sustain roots. Without urgent action, gardens risk long-term decline.”
Cleary recommends three simple steps that gardeners should take immediately.
1. Mulching – Spread bark or wood chips around the base of plants to retain moisture and restore the soil’s sponge-like texture.
2. Deep watering – Utilise a watering can or drip hose for slow, targeted watering ensuring moisture reaches the roots beneath the compacted surface.
3. Nutrient boost – Administer a liquid fertiliser to provide plants with the energy they need to recover and build strength before winter.
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