Gardening expert warns of one autumn job you need to 'stop doing now'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A gardening expert has warned of one autumn job that people 'need to stop doing immediately'. As we head closer to winter, Irish garden designer and TV personality Diarmuid Gavin has said that one task could be doing your lawn and soil ''more harm than good'.

The expert has revealed that the common notion of raking up dead leaves and grass cuttings could be harmful to your garden, and even putting birds and mammals, including hedgehogs, in danger.

Diarmuid said: "As we move into the season of decay, many of us traditionally spend our time outdoors tidying up, cutting back and clearing away.

We do this because we like things to be neat and tidy, and often feel judged (or judge ourselves) based on how unkempt our plots may appear as the cooler weather and longer nights set in." READ MORE: Six key things you must do now to prepare your home for winter He went on to explain: "With the cessation of growth, the disappearance of colourful blooms and the falling of leaves, I believe it's crucial to find a balance during the autumn clean-up.