The 9 'essential' jobs to do in the garden for a 'gorgeous' spring display

Before you tuck your garden in for the winter, there are several tasks to complete to prevent harsh weather from damaging your plants and lawn. Preparing your garden now is vital as it will help it endure the frosty months ahead.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, stated: "With winter just around the corner, now is the last chance to prepare your garden for the upcoming seasonal changes."

He added: "Although you may be tempted to retreat indoors and let the garden run its course during the colder months, now is not the time to neglect your plot."

He also suggested: "Ticking off these essential jobs from your November gardening to-do list offers the perfect opportunity to spend time outside and get some fresh air."

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The first task is to clear and compost fallen leaves. Removing leaves from your garden, particularly the lawn, can be extremely beneficial.

You can use them to make leafmould, which is excellent compost. Simply add them to bin bags or a compost pile.

The second task is to mulch the soil. The expert advised: "The shredded leaves can be used to mulch soil by adding them to flower beds and spreading them around trees and shrubs about two to three inches thick."

Mulching helps control winter weeds, protects roots from the cold, and prevents soil from being washed away by severe weather conditions.

The third task is to aerate the lawn. Aeration enhances the soil by improving circulation and allowing nutrients and water to reach the grassroots.

The fourth task is to aerate your lawn, use a lawn aerator or a garden fork to create small holes, and safeguard delicate plants. The expert advised: "Protect tender plants from winter damage by relocating them inside or into a greenhouse. If that's not possible, then try placing them against walls, fences or other plants."

"Alternatively, you can use a horticultural fleece or newspapers to temporarily cover plants when frosts are expected."

The fifth task is to plant bare-root trees and shrubs. November is the perfect time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs, such as rose bushes, fruit trees, and native trees like hazel, beech, and ash.

The sixth task is to plant spring-flowering Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths can be planted now for a "gorgeous spring display".

The expert said: "Tulips, however, benefit from a late November planting, as the cold temperatures help to keep away diseases."

The seventh task is to prune trees and shrubs. The gardening expert explained: "The best time to remove damaged and diseased growth is after dead leaves have fallen and the trees and shrubs have become dormant. Pruning will give your plants protection over the winter and help them recover in the spring."

Number eight is to Collect rainwater. November is usually one of the wettest months, so take advantage of the extra rainwater by collecting it in a water butt for later use. Natural rainwater is also beneficial for many plants as it doesn't contain chemicals like tap water.

And lastly, Clean the patio. Keep your patio in good condition to avoid slip hazards and dirt build-up during the winter months. This includes removing plant pots, storing garden furniture, and clearing the paving of leaves, twigs, and debris.