As summer ends, people are eager to protect and refresh their outdoor spaces in preparation for the cooler months.
With a 183 per cent increase in Google searches for ‘autumn gardening’ in the past month, it’s clear that Brits are seeking innovative ways to prepare their gardens for the colder season.
Thankfully, some experts have come to the rescue with all you need to know.
Leading online metal supplier metals4U has revealed the best hacks to recycle and spruce up your garden using everyday household items.
From reusing your paint cans to using car wax to polish furniture. The tips can be found below.
DIY shed organisation and restoring tools
A quick and cost-effective way to prepare your garden for autumn is to start by decluttering your shed.
With around 65 per cent of households owning a shed, these spaces often become storage areas for unused items. Begin by organising your shed to ensure easy access to essential gardening tools and supplies you will need for the autumn.
You can also repurpose an old shoe rack for extra storage or install hooks to hang tools like brooms, forks, and shovels.
Once your shed is organised, focus on cleaning and maintaining your tools. A useful hack is to soak them in beer overnight; the carbonation will break down the rust. In the morning, wipe them clean and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent future rust.
DIY metal beds
To protect your plants from harsher weather conditions, consider creating a metal raised bed. You can build one using recycled metal sheets or metal frames you already have.
Metal offers durability and longevity, plus a raised bed provides several benefits for your plants, including improved drainage, better weed control, and enhanced pest management, especially during colder months.
Prevent fungal disease
As autumn brings damper weather, powdery mildew can become a problem for many plants. Luckily, there’s a quick prevention hack using cupboard staples.
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of liquid soap in one gallon of water and spray the mixture onto the affected plants.
This will help prevent the growth of the disease. For best results, apply this solution on a dry day and repeat weekly.
Restore your rusty metal outdoor furniture
In addition to caring for your plants, it’s important to maintain your outdoor furniture, which can suffer from harsher weather.
Undiluted, distilled white vinegar can be used to remove rust from metal outdoor furniture that has been damaged by wet weather, and it can be bought for as little as 35p.
Either spray the vinegar or place a cloth soaked in vinegar on the affected area before rinsing with water or gently rubbing with a steel scourer in the direction of the grain to remove stubborn deposits.
Repurpose paint cans for DIY planters
Many people give their fences or houses a fresh coat of paint in the summer, so there are likely paint cans lying around that are perfect for re-purposing into functional planters for the garden.
To use them, thoroughly clean out any paint residue and carefully drill a few small drainage holes at the bottom of each can.
You can then paint the cans in autumn colours such as green and orange or warm designs to add a seasonal touch.
These planters are perfect for holding smaller plants or herbs and can help insulate the roots from colder temperatures. We also recommend opting for flowers that thrive during the winter months, such as primroses.
