SPEAK TO US
Hire Quote
My Account
Hire
Depot
My
The weather has certainly been a bit unpredictable lately – one minute sunshine, the next, heavy showers and gusty winds. We don’t know about you, but we’ve definitely felt the weather turn! Those sudden storms are a reminder that Autumn isn’t far off, and now is the perfect time to get your garden ready for the change in season. A few simple jobs now can help protect your plants, prepare your soil, and keep your garden looking great as the colder months approach.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping gardeners across the North West and Yorkshire for over 50 years with our tool hire service, providing all the gardening tools you need to keep your outdoor space ship-shape for Autumn planting, or battening down the hatches until next spring.
Clear away leaves and other organic debris
Autumn is already on its way, and with it, leaves are starting to drop from the trees, and the blustery weather certainly isn’t slowing them down! Clearing fallen leaves now is more important than you might think. With our typically wet and damp conditions, leaves left on lawns or borders can quickly become a breeding ground for fungal diseases like moss, slime mould, and black spot, which can damage grass and other plants. Wet leaves can also smother your lawn, leading to patchy growth and making it harder for any sunlight and air to reach the grass. If you’ve got piles of leaves on your patio or driveway, it’s nothing a leaf blower can’t make short work of – and it’s worth clearing them quickly, as they’ll also stain your patio if left to sit. Separate the healthy ones for composting to recycle nutrients back into your garden, but dispose of any that show signs of disease.
Give your garden beds a boost
Even though summer has faded, your garden beds still need a little extra care before Autumn really sets in. In the North West & Yorkshire, the combination of heavy showers and blustery winds can quickly leach nutrients from the soil, leaving your beds tired and ready for a reset. Adding a generous layer of compost now helps improve soil structure, retains moisture during the wetter weeks ahead, and boosts nutrient levels – all of which will give your plants a stronger start for spring.
Whether it’s the last of your summer vegetables, herbs, or perennials that are starting to fade, a good compost top-up revitalises your soil, supports beneficial insects, and encourages healthy microbial activity. It’s also a great time to incorporate any homemade compost from your bin if you have some ready.
Protect your tender plants
The weather has already begun to show its Autumnal edge with stormy days, heavy showers, and sudden chilly spells. These conditions can be tough on your tender plants that have enjoyed the summer sun. If you’ve grown favourites in pots or borders, now’s the time to give them some extra protection.
Start by moving potted plants to a sheltered corner of your garden, close to a wall or under an overhang, where they’ll be shielded from the wind and rain. If you’ve got the space, bringing them indoors – even temporarily – can make a big difference. Portable mini greenhouses are another great option for keeping your plants cosy while still allowing light in. Sheds, summer houses, and even garages can also provide additional shelter for your more delicate plants, helping them survive the wet, windy days that seem to be arriving earlier each year!
Check on your fencing and decking
Autumnal storms are a clear reminder to give your fencing and decking a thorough check. Rain, wind, and occasional hail can exacerbate weak spots in your fencing panels or decking boards, turning small issues into expensive repairs if left unattended. Loose panels, broken posts, or moss-covered decking are all particularly vulnerable in wet, blustery conditions, so now is the time to get the woodworking tools out and fix any weak boards as well.
It’s also a good idea to give your decking a thorough clean to remove any moss, dirt, and leaves that will trap moisture. Then, if you can, apply a sealant to help protect it during the wetter months, provided you can find a few dry and mild days together. Taking these preventative steps now keeps your fence and deck safe, sturdy, and looking their best through Autumn and into Winter.
At Smiths Hire, our 50-plus years of expertise mean we have all the gardening tools you could possibly need to get the job done, whether you’re a keen DIY gardener or a professional landscaper. With 18 depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds, we’re here to help you tackle your garden no matter the weather! If you have any questions or need advice, our friendly team is always ready on 0333 323 2100 so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
