FAQ
When does autumn start?
There are two answers, and both are correct. Meteorological autumn always runs from 1 September to 30 November, which is what weather forecasters use. Astronomical autumn begins at the September equinox, which in 2026 falls on 23 September.
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
On Sunday 25 October, when the clocks go back an hour and the evenings suddenly get dark much earlier. It's the point in the year when most people notice the change in light indoors, and it's a good moment to move plants closer to a window.
Why do leaves change colour in autumn?
As days shorten, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment that powers photosynthesis. The yellows and oranges were in the leaf all along and simply become visible once the green fades. Reds are made fresh in autumn, which is why some years are more colourful than others depending on the weather.
When is Halloween 2026?
Saturday 31 October. Most people decorate in the last week of October, and pumpkins are best carved two or three days before, since a carved pumpkin doesn't last long.
How long does a carved pumpkin last?
Usually between five days and two weeks, depending on how warm it's kept. Drying the inside thoroughly after carving, keeping the pumpkin outside in the cold and using a battery light rather than a candle all make a noticeable difference.
Should I carve a pumpkin from the top or the bottom?
The bottom. It keeps the stalk intact, hides the join, and lets you set the pumpkin down over a light instead of reaching in through a lid. It also drains better, which helps it last longer.
What can I do with a pumpkin after Halloween?
If it's still firm, use it as a temporary planter. Line the inside, add a little soil and sit succulents or small cacti in it, since they need so little water that the pumpkin stays firm for weeks. Once it softens, compost it and move the plants into a pot.
Why are my houseplants struggling in autumn?
Almost always because of light, not care. Shorter days mean slower growth, so plants use far less water and any fertiliser just sits in the soil. From late September, water around half as often, stop feeding until March, and move plants closer to the window.
When should I bring outdoor plants inside?
Before the first frost, and earlier for anything tender. As a rule of thumb, bring tender plants in once night temperatures start dropping towards ten degrees. Check the leaves and undersides for pests before they come indoors, since a warm house lets an infestation spread quickly.
How do I make my home feel autumnal without filling it with decorations?
Work with texture rather than seasonal colour: glass, wood, moss, dried stems and linen in a narrow range of greens and browns. Choose one focal point where you actually look, and add a warm side lamp for the evenings. Three well-placed things read better than fifteen scattered ones.
