5 Essential Materials to Get Your Garden Ready for Autumn

19 September, 2025

Autumn is a season of change, and your garden feels the transition just as much as you do. Shorter days, cooler nights, and falling leaves all have an impact on the soil, plants, and overall health of your outdoor space. Preparing properly now ensures your garden stays productive and looks its best right through winter.

Here are five autumn garden tips that will help you get your garden ready for the season ahead.

1. Mulch for Soil Protection

Mulch is one of the most effective ways to keep soil healthy through autumn. A fresh layer insulates roots against temperature swings, locks in moisture, and helps keep weeds under control.

At this time of year, it’s worth checking your existing mulch. If it’s looking thin or compacted, rake it to loosen the surface and top it up with a new layer. Be sure to clear fallen leaves and debris before adding mulch, as these can trap moisture and cause drainage issues. Around trees and shrubs, mulch also helps to stabilise moisture levels. Just avoid piling it directly against trunks.

We supply a wide range of mulch products to suit borders, beds, and pathways. A big bag makes it easy to refresh large areas before winter sets in.

2. Bark Chippings for Weed Control

Autumn’s damp conditions are ideal for weeds. Bark chippings provide a natural barrier that suppresses growth while improving soil as they slowly break down. They also give beds and pathways a clean, finished look.

Take a moment to check edging around your beds so bark chippings stay neatly in place. This small step keeps the garden tidy through the wet and windy months. For decorative borders, larger bark pieces work well, while finer grades are better suited for shrubs and perennials.

Browse our full range of bark chippings to find the right option for your garden.

Also see: 5 Ways Bark Chippings Improve Your Garden Year-Round

3. Wood Chips for Drainage and Structure

Heavy autumn rainfall can quickly leave soil waterlogged. Wood chips help by improving soil structure, creating small air pockets that aid drainage and aeration. They’re also a practical option for pathways and play areas, offering a natural surface that holds up well in wet conditions.

If you’re running a compost heap, wood chips can also balance green material with dry matter, speeding up decomposition. Bulk wood chip products are available for larger spaces, making it simple to cover beds, borders, or outdoor play areas.

4. Compost for Soil Enrichment

Autumn is the ideal time to feed your soil. Adding compost introduces organic matter that replenishes nutrients after the growing season. This not only supports winter resilience but also sets the stage for healthy planting in spring.

Spread compost across vegetable beds, mix it into borders, or lay a layer around shrubs. It helps strengthen root systems and keeps soil active even as temperatures fall. Our range of compost and soil products is designed to boost fertility and structure all year round.

5. Fleece and Protective Covers

While not a soil material, protective covers are a practical addition for autumn. Early frosts and heavy rain can damage tender plants, but a simple fleece or cloche helps reduce the risk. Covering vulnerable plants now can save you from losses later in the season.

Used alongside mulch, bark, and compost, protective covers give your garden a complete system of defence against autumn weather.

FAQs

Should you turn soil in autumn?

Lightly turning soil is useful in vegetable beds, especially when mixing in compost. Avoid deep digging, which can disturb beneficial organisms preparing for winter.

Should I add compost in autumn?

Yes. Compost replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure, helping plants establish stronger roots before winter.

Can you plant during autumn in the UK?

Yes. Autumn is a good time to plant shrubs, trees, and hardy perennials, as the soil is still warm enough to support root development.

Preparing Your Garden the Right Way

A little work in autumn pays off through the colder months and into spring. Mulch, bark chippings, wood chips, compost, and protective covers all play their part in keeping your garden healthy, tidy, and ready for next year.

Bark UK Online is a family-run business supplying quality bark, mulch, and wood chip products across the UK. Contact us today to find the right materials for your autumn preparation. And remember: our team is here to offer advice and products that suit your garden’s needs all year round.