As autumn rolls in, many of us are gearing up for the gardening season that comes to life in the spring. To help ease the workload for that bustling time, I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of autumn preparation with Matt Collins, a veteran garden writer and the head gardener at the Garden Museum in London.

Collins offers a unique perspective, arguing that spring doesn’t have to be the busiest time for gardeners. “Yes, there’s a lot to do in spring—sowing seeds, mowing grass—but the true beauty of spring gardens is often the result of the work done in autumn,” he explains. “Tasks like mulching, splitting, moving leaves, planting, planning, and pruning in October and November contribute significantly to the stunning results we enjoy later on.”

When I asked him about the autumn “to-do” list, Collins acknowledged that it can feel overwhelming, but he appreciates the slower pace it allows. “I like to take my time, relishing the process rather than rushing through it like we often have to in spring. I usually start by collecting and packaging seeds, cutting back perennials for dividing or relocating, and tidying up raspberries and gooseberries with my secateurs,” he shared.

We then delved into the topic of essential gardening tools, and Collins highlighted several items that can really simplify autumn tasks. Here’s his toolkit:

1. **Seed Packets**: Collins finds that saving seeds is one of the most gratifying parts of gardening. “I’ve kept some varieties of annual flowers going for over a decade just by collecting and packaging seeds at the end of each season,” he said. He also stresses the importance of keeping a few seed envelopes handy for spontaneous collecting, whether from wildflowers or a neighbor’s garden. “Just remember to label them!” he advises.

2. **Secateurs**: Good pruning shears are critical, according to Collins. “If you take care of them, they become an extension of your hand. I’ve had my current pair for 15 years,” he revealed. He recommends investing in high-quality secateurs for comfort and longevity.

3. **Tarpaulin**: “When I prune, I like to spread a tarp down first and let the mess accumulate for cleanup later,” Collins noted. He suggests using a sturdy, smaller tarp that can handle autumn’s winds and moisture.

4. **Gloves**: While he enjoys getting his hands dirty, Collins acknowledges that a good pair of gardening gloves is essential in autumn. “It’s helpful to have two different thicknesses, especially when dealing with thorny plants.”

5. **Border Spade**: This tool, Collins believes, is the most versatile in any gardener’s shed. He praises its slim, sturdy design, which is perfect for various tasks, from dividing perennials to applying mulch.

6. **Green Manure**: Talking about soil health, Collins highlighted the value of cover crops such as forage peas and red clover. “They protect bare soil from erosion and nutrient loss, and you can dig them into the soil in spring,” he explained.

7. **Wheelbarrow**: “No garden is too small for a wheelbarrow,” Collins insisted. A durable wheelbarrow is vital for moving heavier materials around the garden.

8. **Leaf Rake**: He underscored the importance of a dedicated leaf rake for efficiently managing fallen leaves while protecting the underlying area.

9. **Leaf Grabbers**: Surprisingly, Collins admitted he was initially skeptical about leaf grabbers, but he later recognized their effectiveness. “They really save time compared to just using gloves,” he chuckled.

With these tools in hand, Collins believes that autumn presents a unique chance to prepare for a flourishing spring garden. As our conversation came to a close, he reminded me that investing time in proper preparation during the cooler months lays the groundwork for a bountiful spring ahead.