Protect Plants from Frost: Autumn Garden Jobs in Northampton
As the nights draw in, a few jobs now save plants and a lot of tidying in spring. Here's our autumn list, with the kit you'll find in our Northampton shop.
## Protect plants from frost
Tender plants in pots, young shrubs and anything that came from somewhere warmer need cover on frosty nights. Fleece jackets slip over a plant and tie at the base - quick to put on and take off. Group pots together against a house wall, and raise them off the ground on feet so they drain.
## Tie in and support
Autumn winds rock climbers and young trees. Check ties aren't cutting into stems, and use soft or adjustable plant ties that can be loosened as the plant grows. Garden wire, hooks and supports keep climbers tidy on fences and walls.
## Cut back
Use sharp shears and pruners for clean cuts. Cut back perennials that have finished (leave seed heads that feed birds), and trim hedges before the weather turns. A pruning saw handles branches too thick for loppers. See our garden shears.
## Clear and plant
Rake leaves off lawns and paths - wet leaves are slippery and smother grass. Autumn is a good time to plant spring bulbs and new shrubs while the soil is still warm.
## Look after your tools
Clean and dry tools before storing, and a light oil on blades stops rust over winter.
Garden kit is in store at 2 Ashburnham Road, NN1 4QY - see garden and outdoors.