September is the crucial time to prep your garden for winter according to experts

A gardening expert is advising British homeowners to act now to start preparing their gardens for autumn and beyond.

After a strange season of copious rain and not much sun, it seems that now is finally the time to enjoy our summer gardens. But a gardening expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, is advising that September is the perfect time to get our gardens ready for the colder weather.

While it may seem too soon to be preparing for colder months, many of our plants, trees, and foliage are already undergoing seasonal changes. 

Gardening expert James Lewis, from MyBuilder.com, said that preparing your garden for colder weather should start early.

"While September is often still a beautiful month to enjoy warm weather in your garden, there are subtle changes going on beneath the leaves and soil as nature prepares gardens for the end of summer.

"The warmer weather and longer light hours also mean that you (or your gardener) still have time to complete some of those jobs that are so difficult in colder, darker weather - such as staining fences or sheds.

"We'd advise gardeners across the country to start preparing their outside spaces now for the colder months ahead. It provides the best protection for your gardens and equipment, ensures it's healthy over winter, and means you can wake it up come Spring and maximise your time in your garden in good weather!"

Here are MyBuilder.com's top tips to get your garden ready for the colder weather in the months to come.

Pruning

Remove dead flowers from autumn plants and prune summer-flowering shrubs before the first frost - which can come as early as October. This helps conserve the plants' energy over the winter and prevents excessive woody growth in the spring. You don't want to remove more than 25 per cent of the overall foliage of the plant. Make sure you choose the right tools for the job. In addition to the best secateurs and garden shears, you can use electric strimmers, loppers, and handsaws for bigger jobs.

Shed Protection 

A normal garden shed is exposed to many different risks during the winter months, such as frost, rainfall, and potentially snow load. Treating the wood is vital for the longevity of your shed (and its contents) and it's easier to do this in warmer weather, when the sun will help it dry and allow you to do quick consecutive coats. 

Plant Protection

Not all plants in your garden need protection from the frost, but some certainly do. Young seedlings and new growth, tender perennials, half-hardy varieties, and tropical and subtropical plants will need careful treatment as October looms. Tender perennials that have bloomed and died can be taken into a shed or greenhouse to protect from frost. Vegetable patches can be protected from frost with a cloche, which is made from glass or plastic, and can be installed by a gardener. 

Lawn Health 

Moving outdoor furniture into storage will improve the grass health that was covered by increasing sunlight and rain. Many think lawns should only be fertilised in warmer weather, however, specialised fertilisation can be used in the colder months, which provides nutrients for the grass in frosty conditions. Aerating your lawn will reduce the amount of soil compaction and allow air to circulate to get into the roots. Avoid mowing the lawn once the temperature consistently drops below 10°C due to the grass entering a dormant state. 

The ideal height for grass in winter is two inches, allowing shade to the soil to retain moisture, protection for the roots from frost, and avoiding mould and fungus. As the temperature falls it's advisable to minimise footfall and refrain from placing heavy objects on the grass.

If the lawn is looking patchy, September is the perfect time for scarifying and reseeding it. The optimal time to reseed is right after aerating. 

Wood Treatment 

Wood oil penetrates the wood grain to replace the essential oils lost through weathering, which helps to prevent drying, warping, and splitting. This type of treatment is best applied in thin and even coats. Applying wood stains and dyes protects from weathering and heavy foot traffic while adding rich colour. Wood preservers are available in clear and coloured options which work similarly to oils, dyes, and stains however, specialise in mould, algae, and insect protection.

Wood varnish provides high-performance protection against UV light and water penetration.

Wood paint provides the easiest and fastest way to transform the appearance of wood and also protects from fading, and weathering.