Exception: If you’re gardening on heavy clay or poorly drained soil, delay lifting until early spring (around late February). Divisions planted too late in autumn on such soils may not root in time before winter.
Propagation
Autumn is an excellent time for propagation – making new plants for free.
Cuttings: Take tip cuttings from tender plants like salvias. Just a few cuttings per plant is enough, as indoor space is often limited. Root them in plug trays or around the edge of pots, kept just slightly moist. By early November, they should be rooted and can sit quietly over winter, ready to grow strongly in spring.
Seeds: Collect ripe seeds from perennials and annuals. Choose a dry day, and store seeds in labeled paper bags. Later in autumn, clean and packet them, marking both the plant name and sowing time. Some hardy annuals can be sown now to overwinter, while others should wait until spring. Stagger sowing rather than doing everything at once.
Troy taking cuttings from the garden.
Create AcademyPlanting spring-flowering bulbs
Bulbs are one of the most rewarding autumn jobs, giving big splashes of spring colour for little effort.
Daffodils/Narcissi: Plant in September while they are beginning growth.
Tulips: Delay planting until after Bonfire Night, ideally November to Christmas, to avoid disease and early sprouting.
For a natural look, vary planting density. In orchards or meadow grass, scatter bulbs for a more informal feel. Among perennials, tulips are best spaced evenly but sparsely so they weave between other plants, softening their impact.
Lawn care
Autumn lawn care pays off the following year. This work will build resilience against summer heat and drought.
Scarify: Rake out thatch (dead grass) with a spring-tine rake or mechanical scarifier.
Aerate: Spike or hollow-tine the lawn, then apply an organic topdressing to improve soil health and root depth.
Overseed: Sow grass seed into bare patches – it will germinate quickly in autumn conditions.
Hedge cutting
Many hedges are trimmed in autumn, but timing depends on the species:
Yew: Cut once a year from August to mid-November. Later pruning ensures a sharp, clean look all winter.
Hornbeam: Cut twice a year, typically June and October, for a formal look.
Box: Traditionally cut in June, but winter cutting (November–December, in mild weather) may help disrupt box moth caterpillars.
Roses and foxgloves are among the charming cottage-garden favourites in the Sissinghurst garden.
Create AcademyRose pruning
Rose pruning runs from mid-October through late February (before buds break).
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