Lifestyle

Late autumn checklist

The Moment magazine online's handy guide to must-do garden tasks this autumn

Rake up leaves
Remove leaves from your lawn by raking them up. Place the leaves into bin bags with holes punctured into the sides and bottom. Tie the bags closed when full and keep in an out-of-the- way corner. By next year you will have beautiful, crumbly leaf mould to use for mulching.

Lift dahlias
If you have been growing dahlias over the summer, lift the tubers and remove them to a box packed with dry compost. Keep them in a dark, cool but frost-free place over winter to re-plant next spring.

Service the mower
By the end of autumn the grass should have stopped growing. Store the lawnmower away for winter but before doing so consider having it serviced. Other tools can also be cleaned, sharpened and given a protective wipe of oil.

Divide perennials
As well as planting new perennials you can also divide existing ones. Lift out the plant and cut away sections for re-planting. If the core of the plant is threadbare discard it. Make sure there is a good amount of roots and buds per division.

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