With the arrival of colder days and falling leaves, the garden enters a new, fascinating phase. Autumn in the garden is a time of intensive care work that prepares plants for the upcoming frosts. This period may seem overwhelming, but the right actions will ensure that our green haven has a peaceful winter and a vibrant return of spring. In this article, we will discover the key activities that need to be done to get our garden ready for autumn.
Autumn feeding - the key to plant immunity
Starting at the end of summer, you should focus on feeding the plants to increase their resistance to unfavorable weather conditions. We choose fertilizers with low nitrogen and high potassium content, which will strengthen the structure of plants and prepare them for the coming cold weather. Regular, moderate watering during periods of drought also plays a key role in this phase.
Protection of young and sensitive plants
We pay special attention to young plantings and species that are not fully frost-resistant. After the first frost, it is worth covering their above-ground parts with air-permeable material, such as straw or non-woven fabric. Protect the base of the trunk by adding a thick layer of mulch. We mound roses to provide them with protection.
Autumn planting - the best time for changes
Autumn, from October to mid-November, is a perfect time to plant trees, bare-root shrubs and perennials. This is also the time to introduce new elements in the garden, such as lawns, heaths or flower beds. There are favorable conditions for plants to take root, and the work itself is less physically demanding than in the summer.
Cleaning up the orchard and vegetable garden
Ripe fruit should be collected in the orchard, but do not forget to clean up the remains, the so-called "mummy" - dried fruit that may be a breeding ground for diseases and pests. In a vegetable garden, the leftovers after harvesting vegetables should be deeply buried, burned or processed in a composter. And when to replant raspberries ? The beginning of autumn in the garden is also a good time to transplant raspberries.
Take care of your lawn
The first decade of October is the right time to mow the grass for the last time before winter. The cutting height should be approximately 4 cm. The cut grass can then be placed in a thin layer in the composter.
Perennial plant care and removal of fallen leaves
Dry annuals and dried perennials can be trimmed close to the ground, although it is better to wait until spring. Fallen leaves should be cleaned up regularly - some can be used to create mounds that will become potential homes for hedgehogs, and the rest should be placed in a composter or processed into leaf soil.
Autumn in the garden - preparing a pond
At the end of summer, it is worth hanging a fine-meshed net over the pond to limit water contamination with leaves. In autumn, the bottom of the pond is cleaned dismantles the equipment. In the case of smaller tanks, the water is most often drained and the fish are transferred to another aquarium.
Plant waste - how to deal with it?
Fallen leaves, dried plants and other organic garden waste are a valuable raw material that is worth managing. Some of the material can be used to create mounds for hedgehogs or processed in a composter, producing valuable humus. However, you should avoid hard leaves containing a lot of tannins, e.g. oak.
Planting bulbs and tuberous plants
Autumn is also the time to plant bulbs and tuberous plants, such as crocuses, checkerspots, narcissus, snowdrops, hyacinths, ornamental alliums and anemones. It is best to carry out these works in September or early October, with the exception of tuberous begonias, cannas, gladioli, dahlias, freesias, galtonias, crocuses and tiger flowers, which should be dug out of the ground after the first frost and stored in a cool place.
Sowing annual plants
At the end of September, you can also sow annual flowers such as summer delphinium, cornflower, poppies or bittersweet, which will beautify the garden in spring.
Introducing new elements
Autumn is a perfect time to introduce new elements in the garden, such as lawns, heaths or flower beds. The favorable climatic conditions prevailing at that time favor the rooting of plants, and the physical work itself is less demanding than in the peak season.
Summary
Autumn in the garden is an intense but extremely satisfying period for every gardener. Performing these activities systematically will ensure a peaceful winter for our green refuge and a lively return of spring. Remember that each garden is different, so it is worth adapting our activities to the specificity of our plot. Let's take on these challenges with enthusiasm, and our efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy garden.
See also: Autumn in the garden. What to plant in autumn and how to plan flower beds. Flowers in the garden.