Many gardeners believe that autumn is a time of rest for the garden, and it is during this period that they make a number of mistakes that can seriously damage their plants. The publication WomanAndHome (16+) spoke about this, and also provided recommendations on what to pay attention to so that your garden pleases the eye with its beauty and colors.
Watering
One of the most common mistakes is stopping watering too early. Many people believe that with the onset of cold weather, plants grow more slowly, so you can reduce watering or stop it altogether. However, it is best to continue until the first frost, only adjusting the frequency to keep the soil moist and the roots healthy.
Diseased plants
Another danger is leaving diseased or damaged plants in beds and flower beds. Autumn creates favorable conditions for the spread of pests and fungal diseases. Warm days and cold nights activate spores that can quickly attack neighboring plants. Therefore, it is important to remove not only individual diseased branches, but also entire plants that are severely damaged. This will avoid “overwintering” diseases and pest outbreaks in the spring.
fallen leaves
The situation with fallen leaves is no less interesting. Many try to remove it completely, strive for ideal cleanliness, but it is better to leave the leaves where they can be useful. They retain moisture, insulate the soil, and become a haven for insects and small animals. If you collect leaves, they can be piled or used for mulch and compost. It is only important to remove diseased leaves.
Trimming
Another common mistake is to prune all perennials and shrubs. While fall pruning is important, don't cut everything off at the root. Seeds and dry plant stems attract birds, and decaying organic matter enriches the soil. Some ornamental shrubs, such as cotoneaster or turf, provide decorative value in winter, and their branches should not be pruned until spring.
Lawn
When it comes to the lawn, many gardeners mistakenly stop mowing the grass as soon as fall begins. The lawn continues to grow when temperatures are above 10°C, and missed mowing results in dense and uneven growth. It is recommended to mow the lawn regularly, approximately every two to three weeks, avoiding cutting when the grass is wet or before frost.
Garden work
Equally important is choosing the time to work in the garden. Working in bad weather or in waterlogged soil can damage soil structure, make it difficult for plants to grow, and create unnecessary clutter. It is better to wait for dry days so that the work is effective and you stay dry.
