British Garden Centres guide to essential autumn gardening tools

Autumn is a crucial time for garden maintenance.  As the days shorten and temperatures drop, your garden will need some TLC to ensure it is in ship shape for the spring season to come. Having the right tools is essential to ensure your outdoor space is prepared for winter. From raking leaves to pruning shrubs, British Garden Centres has put together this guide to equip you with the essential gardening tools to navigate the autumn season effortlessly.

Garden spades are the ultimate garden tool for digging large holes to plant autumnal bare-root plants, trees and hedging. Use your fork to also turn your soil in autumn to improve soil structure by breaking up compacted areas, enhance drainage, and help control weeds by exposing their seeds to frost. Spades are also perfect for creating crisp edges around flower beds, a task essential for maintaining an immaculate autumn garden. They’re also ideal for lifting clumps of late-flowering perennials to divide and replant.

Hand trowels are a gardener’s best friend for planting spring bulbs, potting up autumnal cuttings, or transplanting small plants. They’re also ideal for creating small planting holes for pansies, violas cyclamens and other seasonal blooms, which add vibrant colour to autumn gardens or baskets.

Garden forks are useful for harvesting root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which often reach peak flavour in autumn. They can also be used to lift and divide perennials or carefully remove weeds without disturbing neighbouring plants. Forks are also essential to aerating lawns and creating drainage holes, a task particularly important in autumn to prepare the grass for winter.

Secateurs are ideal for pruning shrubs and roses after the flowering period has finished. This autumn maintenance encourages healthy growth and prevents diseases. They’re also perfect for deadheading spent blooms, prolonging the flowering season of many plants.

Loppers are crucial for cutting back overgrown shrubs and trees and preparing your garden for winter. They’re also handy for clearing away deadwood, creating a tidier and safer outdoor space as the season winds down.

Garden shears are essential for maintaining the shape of hedges, a task that enhances the overall appearance of your garden, especially during the autumn months.

Rakes are essential for gathering fallen leaves, preventing dampness and disease that can harm your lawn. Regular raking also helps to aerate the grass, promoting healthy growth. They can also be used to level seedbeds for overwintering green manure crops. They’re also perfect for clearing away debris and preparing the soil for spring planting.

Patio weeders are perfect for keeping paths and patios tidy, ensuring your outdoor living areas remain inviting throughout autumn. Regular weeding prevents weeds from establishing themselves and damaging paving.

Gloves are essential for autumn gardening as they protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters caused by sharp tools or thorny plants. Additionally, they act as a barrier against dirt, bacteria, and chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. In the colder autumn months, gloves provide warmth and insulation, making gardening more comfortable. Amy Stubbs at British Garden Centres said: “Our knowledgeable staff are dedicated to helping customers select the perfect tools for their autumn gardening needs.  By providing top-quality tools and expert advice, we’re committed to making gardening a rewarding experience for everyone to create a beautiful and thriving garden.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 65 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 2,700 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.