End of Summer Garden Tidy-Up: 8 Jobs to Do Before Autumn Arrives

Start reducing mowing frequency

As growth slows through September, you can start mowing less often — but don't stop altogether. When should I stop mowing as often? Once you notice growth visibly slowing, typically mid-to-late September in most of the UK, though this varies with weather.

Clear debris and fallen fruit

Windfall fruit, spent vegetable plants, and general summer debris left lying around attract pests and disease. Clearing beds now reduces problems heading into autumn and winter.

Weed while the ground is still workable

Weeds are far easier to remove now, while the soil is workable and weeds haven't had a chance to set seed for next year. Left until spring, this job is considerably harder.

Check and clean garden structures

Fences, trellises, sheds and greenhouses take a beating over summer. Late August is a good time to check for repairs, clean greenhouse glass to maximise autumn light, and treat any woodwork before wetter weather arrives.

Mulch beds and borders

Once you've cut back, weeded and tidied a bed, apply a layer of mulch — well-rotted compost, bark, or leaf mould — around 5–7cm deep. This is one of the most valuable jobs on this list and does several things at once:

• Suppresses weeds through autumn and into next spring
• Locks in soil moisture as rainfall becomes less predictable
• Insulates plant roots against the first frosts
• Slowly improves soil structure as it breaks down over winter

When should I mulch my garden? Early-to-mid autumn is ideal — after beds have been weeded and cut back, but before the first hard frosts. Avoid mulching right up against stems or trunks, as this can encourage rot; leave a small gap around the base of each plant.

What should I use to mulch? Garden compost is good for improving soil as it breaks down. Bark or wood chip lasts longer and is better suited to borders you won't be digging into again soon. Leaf mould (made from last year's fallen leaves) is a free, effective option if you have it.

Start thinking about leaves — but don't panic yet

Is it too early to rake leaves? In most cases, yes — late August and early September is generally too early for significant leaf fall in the UK. It's worth keeping an eye on it, but don't add this to your list until leaves are actually dropping in meaningful numbers, usually from October.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing my garden for autumn? Late August through September is ideal — early enough to get ahead of jobs, while there's still good weather to work in.

Should I cut back perennials in September? Yes, for anything that has finished flowering and is dying back, though some seed heads are worth leaving for wildlife and winter interest.

When should I stop mowing as often? Typically mid-to-late September in most of the UK, once growth visibly slows — though this depends on that year's weather.

Is it too early to rake leaves in September? Generally yes. Most significant leaf fall happens from October onwards in the UK.

When should I mulch my garden in autumn? Early-to-mid autumn, after beds have been weeded and cut back but before the first hard frosts, is the ideal window.

What's the best mulch for autumn? Well-rotted compost or manure is great for improving soil, bark or wood chip lasts longer for borders, and leaf mould is a free, effective option if you have it.