Keen horticulturalists are being urged to bring their gardens inside and protect vulnerable plants during the colder months ahead.
Tips include preparing plants and vulnerable flowers for the colder months by moving them into greenhouses, and investing in houseplants and windowsill growers.
It’s important to prepare in time for the colder end of year, and to consider recreating garden features indoors by bringing the outside in during the autumn.
Houseplants
Houseplants give an outdoor feel to any indoor space, and now is the perfect time to start preparing your own inside garden as autumn approaches.
Try growing Sansevieria - a plant which is known to clear toxins in the air, ideal for the colder months when getting fresh air indoors is hard. Kalanchoe is also a great houseplant - this low maintenance plant grows nicely in a sunny spot, and the variety of colours brighten up indoor spaces with oranges and reds for an autumnal theme.
Make use of the greenhouse
The sheltered protection that greenhouses provide can be great for autumn plants as it keeps them frost-free for the colder months.
Temperatures inside greenhouses can be up to five degrees warmer at night than outdoors, meaning horticulturists can grow things typically reserved for warmer months, such as salads and tender flowers like perennials, for early blooms in the greenhouse.
Weed the garden
It’s important not to forget the outside space as we head into colder months, and weeding is a job essential for the end of summer. The warmer months have encouraged weeds to thrive, and the garden pests still grow as summer comes to an end, potentially killing your own plants. Get on top of weeding now before next spring rolls around.
Windowsill herbs
Herbs can be grown inside as the chilly air hits gardens - just plant the seedlings in small pots and water regularly on a windowsill which receives direct autumn sunlight.
Indoor herb gardens are ideal for smaller spaces and make a nice green display in the kitchen too. Use the homegrown herbs for cooking warming meals that help you stave off the cold.
Garden furniture
This is often forgotten about after the long, hot days, but homeowners still need to take care of their garden furniture for next year. For those who have the space, store the outdoor chairs and tables inside sheds, garages, and attics - most garden furniture will fold up easily too.
If there is no room inside, simply cover up the outdoor furniture with a waterproof tarpaulin to avoid deterioration as it starts to get colder.
Hanging plants
Trailing houseplants are a great addition to indoor garden spaces as the cold comes in. Hanging plants don’t require much attention and make a cosy autumnal feature for inside gardeners.
Ivy is the most popular trailing houseplant, and it is the perfect choice for gardeners prepping an indoor garden at the end of the year. Satin pathos is another popular hanging plant because it grows quickly, with Peperomia producing great foliage for darker spots in the house - an excellent choice for autumn.
Bring vulnerable plants inside
Take in tender flowers and plants under cover inside for protection ahead of the colder months. When bringing them inside, remember to check the soil beforehand for any snails and insects. Bringing vulnerable greenery such as dahlia, canna, and photinia inside will avoid any exposure to damaging autumn frost.
For more expert advice on getting your garden ready for autumn, see www.gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk
