The cosy garden jobs replacing summer gardening

From planting spring bulbs to making leaf mould, October is the perfect time to slow down, get outdoors and embrace a cosier kind of gardening, says Town & Country.  

As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn golden, gardening is taking on a slower, more mindful pace. Gone are the long summer afternoons spent mowing, watering and keeping on top of fast-growing borders. In their place are simple, satisfying autumn jobs that make the most of crisp mornings, fallen leaves and the quieter rhythm of the season.  

For gardeners looking to make the most of their outdoor space, October offers plenty of reasons to pull on a warm layer, grab a pair of gloves and head outside. From planting bulbs for a colourful spring display to creating a haven for garden wildlife, these are the cosy garden jobs recommended by Town & Country to make autumn one of the most rewarding times of the year.   

Five cosy garden jobs to enjoy this October  

1.Plant bulbs for a little springtime optimism 

Few autumn jobs are as satisfying as planting bulbs. Tucking daffodils, tulips, and crocuses into pots, borders and window boxes is a simple way to invest in brighter days ahead. Once planted, they can be left to do their thing while the garden settles into winter.   

For jobs like filling pots, handling compost and positioning bulbs, Town & Country’s Master Gardener Lite Glove offers a lightweight, comfortable option that allows gardeners to get on with the finer details of planting.  

2.Turn fallen leaves into garden gold 

Instead of viewing fallen leaves as a weekend chore, see them as an opportunity. Collected and left to break down, leaves can become leaf mould; a valuable soil-improving material that can be used as a mulch or to help improve soil structure.  

Rake leaves from lawns and paths, gather them into a pile or suitable bag, and allow nature to take its course. It is a wonderfully low-pressure job, with little more to do than collect, store and wait.    

With damp leaves often slippery to handle, a good grip can make all the difference. Mastergrip Gloves are a useful choice for gathering leaves, handling garden bags and tackling autumn clear-ups, making these satisfying seasonal jobs more comfortable.   

3.Make compost and give next year’s garden a head start 

Cooler weather is no reason to stop making compost. Autumn provides a generous supply of fallen leaves, spent annuals, and other suitable garden material to help build a useful supply of organic matter for the months ahead.   

Composting is one of those quietly rewarding jobs that connects the seasons: clearing away what has finished while making something useful for the garden to come. As the weather becomes wetter, gloves that offer reliable grip are particularly helpful when handling garden waste and materials. The Mastergrip Gloves are a practical option for these jobs, while the Mastergrip Waterproof glove is worth considering for regular work in damp conditions.   

4.Plant a fruit tree and grow something for the future 

Autumn is a good time to plan for a more productive garden. Once conditions are suitable and the ground is workable, bare-root fruit trees can generally be planted during autumn – giving their roots time to establish before spring growth begins. An apple, pear, or plum tree can provide blossom, structure, and the prospect of home-grown fruit for years to come.   

For a job that involves preparing the ground, handling stakes or moving woody material, Town & Country’s Premium Leather Gloves are a robust choice. Their more substantial construction makes the suited to tougher garden tasks, while the Master Gardener range is a versatile alternative for lighter planning and soil preparation.   

5.Make room for garden wildlife 

An autumn garden does not have to be perfectly tidy. Leaving some seed heads standing, retaining a small pile of leaves in a quiet corner and keeping suitable shelter undisturbed can help make outdoor spaces more welcoming to wildlife.   

Consider planting suitable late-season flowering plants where appropriate, leaving seed heads for birds and creating a log pile in a sheltered spot. If you are clearing leaves or moving compost, check carefully for wildlife before you start.  

The aim is not to abandon the garden but work with nature and allow some areas to become a little wilder.  

A slower season, with plenty to look forward to 

Autumn gardening is less about chasing perfect lawns and immaculate borders, and more about making thoughtful choices that benefit the garden over time.  

It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the changing seasons and do small things that will make a real difference to your garden in the months ahead. Whether you’re planting bulbs, putting fallen leaves to good use, or making space for wildlife, there’s something satisfying about getting outdoors at this time of year - and with the right gloves for the job, these simple seasonal tasks can become some of the most enjoyable moments in the gardening calendar.

For more information about Town & Country and to visit the full product range, visit www.townandco.com. 

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Editors notes

Town & Country is recognised as one of the UK’s leading gardening brands and offers one of the most comprehensive collections of gardening gloves, footwear and accessories. Bringing the very best in style, quality, functionality and performance, Town & Country keep a close eye on the latest fashion trends, colours, patterns and designs in order to continuously develop its ranges.

Town & Country is a division of E P Barrus; a British Company with over 100 years trading experience. Barrus has a strong sales, distribution and engineering focus and is the power behind leading brands in the garden machinery and tools sector, marine, powered products and industrial engine markets.