Autumn in the garden

Autumn is the kindest season for the time-poor gardener. The garden is winding down and forgiving of neglect. This is when you quietly set up next year's ease.

The task library

Small acts, in order

6 tasks — work through them whenever you have ten minutes.

Collect fallen leaves for leaf mould

Weekend

Bag them up — in a year you'll have free, beautiful mulch.

Plant spring bulbs

This month

Daffodils, tulips and alliums go in now for next year's joy.

Lift tender plants before frost

Weekend

Dahlias and cannas need to come in or be mulched heavily.

Clear annuals that have finished

Quick

Make space and tidy the visual noise.

Plant new trees and shrubs

This month

Cool, moist soil helps roots establish before spring.

Clean and oil tools

Quick

Ten minutes now saves rust and frustration later.

Make it yours

Track your progress

Tick off what you've done. Your progress saves to this device.

Your interactive checklist

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Autumn guidance

Get the printable autumn guide

All 6 tasks as a PDF — plus a autumn letter from Alex each Sunday.