Whether you're new to gardening, or just looking to refine your seasonal routine, this guide is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of the change in weather. From knowing what to plant in autumn to essential garden storage solutions and supporting wildlife, there’s plenty you can do now to get ahead for 2026.
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What to do in the garden in autumn
This time of year might feel like a wind down of the gardening calendar, but it’s actually a season full of activity. One of the first things you should tackle is a general tidy up. Begin by clearing away fallen leaves from lawns and borders to keep your grass healthy and to prevent disease build up, especially around plants like roses that are susceptible to blackspot.
Cut back any dying or diseased plants, but leave some seed heads and stems standing - these can provide food and shelter for wildlife, particularly birds and insects. It's also a great time to split perennials that have outgrown their space. You’ll not only rejuvenate the original plant, but you will also get new ones to spread across your garden, or share with friends.
Looking after your soil before winter sets in is one of the most overlooked yet essential autumn gardening tasks. Exposed soil can quickly degrade over the winter, especially with heavy rainfall or frost. Adding a generous layer of mulch, two to three inches of fresh compost or wood chippings can dramatically improve your soil’s health. It locks in moisture, suppresses weeds and acts as a natural blanket, protecting plant roots from cold snaps.
If you have vegetable or flower beds that won’t be in use, consider covering them with several layers of thick cardboard or a wool carpet. This smothers weeds and allows the existing plant matter to break down naturally, enriching the soil for spring without disturbing its structure through digging.
What to plant in autumn: veggies and herbs
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to wait for spring to sow your next crop. Planting vegetables in autumn sets you up for an early and often more robust harvest. If you're unsure what to plant, start with hardy and fast growing crops like lettuce, radishes, spinach, spring onions and kale. These leafy greens and root vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures and are relatively easy for novice gardeners to grow.
Make sure your soil is well drained and enriched with compost before planting. These vegetables can be sown directly into the ground, or in containers if your garden space is limited. Just be prepared to use fleece, or cloches made of glass or rigid transparent plastic, to protect young plants from early frosts.
Add colour with autumn flowering plants
While many summer blooms begin to fade, autumn has its own stunning palette of flowers. If you want to keep your garden lively, consider adding plants that peak at this time of year. Japanese anemones, with their delicate pink or white petals, thrive in partial shade and naturalise beautifully over time. Cyclamen are perfect for shady corners and bring a splash of pink or purple where you least expect it.
For bold flashes of colour, chrysanthemums and asters are great choices. Asters in particular are beloved by pollinators and are incredibly easy to care for. Finally, don't overlook hellebores, which begin to bloom just as the rest of the garden quietens down, offering striking flowers throughout winter.
Planting spring bulbs and storing them properly
One of the most satisfying tasks of autumn gardening is planting bulbs for spring. The secret is in the timing: daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths should be in the ground by late September, while tulips can wait until October or even November.
If you’re buying bulbs in bulk, or starting a layered planting project, you’ll want to keep them dry and organised before they go in the soil. Solent Plastics’ Gastronorm food storage and ingredient containers are an ideal solution. These heavy-duty, stackable containers are airtight and transparent - perfect for keeping bulbs labelled and in top condition. With temperature resistance from -40°C to 100°C, they’re also versatile for other household or garden uses.
Garden storage solutions to help the autumn cleanup
When it comes to garden storage, autumn is the time to get organised. Garden tools, hoses, seed trays and pots can easily become casualties of winter if left out. An excellent option for keeping everything protected is our extra-long 160-litre mobile storage trunk by the Really Useful Box Company. Built in the UK, this trunk is made from ultra-strong, impact-resistant plastic and is specifically designed to handle heavy-duty storage tasks in any environment - be it your shed, garage, or even outdoors.
Its four large wheels and long ergonomic flip up handle make it simple to manoeuvre without bending or lifting. Integrated padlock loops give added security for expensive tools or gardening gadgets. With a massive 160-litre capacity, you can store tools, seeds, watering cans, or even bulky winter covers with ease.
Supporting wildlife through the cold seasons
A garden isn’t just about plants - it's a vital habitat for local wildlife. As natural food sources become scarce, birds, insects and small mammals all need a bit of help. You can support them by leaving seed heads intact on some of your flowering plants like rudbeckia or echinacea. These act as natural bird feeders and also provide overwintering spaces for beneficial insects.
Consider adding a small pile of logs or twigs in a quiet corner of your garden. This provides shelter for frogs, hedgehogs and even solitary bees.
If you have a pond, float a small ball on its surface during freezing temperatures to prevent it from icing over completely and ensure oxygen exchange.
Creating a garden that’s beautiful all year round
Autumn is not just a time for winding down - it’s a moment of planning and anticipation. If you’re thinking long term, consider introducing sensory elements to your garden that come alive during the colder months. Trees like the paperbark maple or Tibetan cherry bring dramatic winter bark colour, while shrubs such as Christmas box and Viburnum X Bodnantense Dawn offer intoxicating scents.
The beauty of gardening in autumn is that you’re always working a season ahead. Every bulb you plant, every weed you suppress and every decision you make about your garden layout now will reward you tenfold when the weather warms up again.
Autumn gardening may seem quiet on the surface, but beneath the soil and within your storage sheds, the season is brimming with potential. By planting, preparing your soil, protecting your tools with smart garden storage and supporting wildlife, you’re investing in a thriving, resilient outdoor space that you can enjoy year round.