The equinox, marking the start of Autumn, often brings the first Autumn storms. Make sure your garden is ready for stormy weather with Somerlap's Garden Checklist.

Sheds and greenhouses

Garden sheds and greenhouses can suffer in storms if they haven't been maintained, so give them a once over before Autumn takes hold.

  • Check your shed is still secure and watertight - here’s how to tell if it needs replacing.
  • Ensure shed doors are firmly closed and won't blow open in high winds.
  • Fix any loose roof felt or panels.
  • Replace any broken glass.

Fences

Fences can be particularly liable to storm damage, with relentless winds eventually causing fences to collapse if they aren't strong enough.

  • Check fencing panels for rot and stability.
  • Replace any fencing that won't last the winter.
  • Apply preservative if the wood hasn't been treated recently.

Garden furniture, pergolas and decking

Protect your furniture, garden structures and decking from stormy weather.

  • Move garden furniture undercover.
  • Check pergolas, arches and gazebos are still solid and secure.
  • Treat your decking, if you haven’t already.

Plants

Help your plants survive through the winter by getting ready for inclement weather before it starts.

  • Apply mulch to protect plants from extremes in temperature.
  • Prune large trees and remove any branches that are liable to fall in high winds.
  • Cut back perennials, prune roses and remove any dead plants.
  • Move any delicate plants indoors.
  • Shelter vulnerable plants from the wind by creating a windbreak using willow or hazel hurdles.
  • Get frost protection – fleeces and cloches – ready for the first frost, which can happen as early as mid October in some parts of the Country.

Pets

Keep pets safe during the colder months, bring them indoors or consider investing in animal housing.

Preparation for Spring

Although Autumn has only just arrived, taking the time to prepare for the return of warmer weather next year will pay dividends when Spring arrives.

  • Plant Spring-flowering bulbs now while the soil is still warm.
  • Start a garden compost.
  • Keep your vegetable garden going by planting vegetables such as onions, potato and salad leaves ready for enjoying next Spring and Summer.

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