As autumn arrives and the warm, sunny days become scarce, it’s important to prepare your outdoor spaces for the upcoming winter months. While leaving some stems and dead growth for wildlife shelter is recommended, there are still essential maintenance tasks to be done.

Certain plants require tidying to ensure robust growth next year, fruits need to be harvested and stored, and early spring vegetables can be planted. This is also a good time to lay new turf or repair damaged areas in your garden.

To help with these tasks, experts at The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have outlined the top 10 garden jobs to complete before the arrival of winter frosts. Trimming back perennials after flowering in autumn can enhance their performance in the next year.

Dividing perennials every two to three years promotes healthy growth and allows for an increase in plant numbers. Plants sensitive to cold should be moved indoors before temperatures drop below 12-15C. It’s advisable to store fruits in a cool, well-ventilated area to enjoy them for an extended period.

Cabbages are easy to grow and can be sown in late summer for a spring harvest. Climbing roses should be pruned in late autumn or winter to ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Mowing should be done before the ground becomes too wet or frozen, as winter mowing is generally unnecessary.

Mid-autumn is an ideal time to lay turf for new lawns or repair existing ones. Collecting and storing seeds from your plants can help increase the variety in your garden for free. Harvest seeds when they are ripe and before they disperse naturally.

By following these tips and completing these tasks, your garden will be well-prepared for the winter months ahead.