Autumn, often seen as a transition period between the sunny days of summer and the cold of winter, is nevertheless an ideal time to enjoy your garden and prepare your exterior for the coming season. The warm colors of the falling leaves, the freshness of the air, and the many possible gardening activities make autumn a rich season for any gardener. Discover in this article the essential tasks and pleasures not to be missed in your garden in autumn.
1. Clean and prepare the ground
One of the first steps to take as soon as fall arrives is cleaning up your garden. Dead leaves, although picturesque, can quickly accumulate and become an obstacle to the health of your soil and plants. It is therefore advisable to collect them regularly. These leaves, instead of being thrown away, can be used to create a natural compost, rich in nutrients for your future plantings.
This is also a good time to prune trees, shrubs and perennials. Gentle pruning removes dead or diseased branches while promoting better growth in the spring. However, it is important not to prune certain plants that flower in winter, such as camellias or hellebores, so as not to compromise their flowering.
2. Plant bulbs for spring
Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs that will brighten up your garden in early spring. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths will provide a beautiful display of colour after the winter months. Make sure to choose a well-drained, sunny location and plant the bulbs at a depth of about two to three times their height.
To diversify your plantings, you can also add pansies, chrysanthemums or asters, cold-resistant flowers that will bring touches of color until the first frosts.
3. Protect fragile plants
Some plants are more sensitive to cool temperatures and frosts in the fall. It is therefore important to think about protecting them. To do this, you can use mulch. In addition to enriching the soil, this will protect the roots of your plants from the cold. You can also use wintering veils for shrubs or potted plants.
For particularly fragile potted plants, it may be a good idea to bring them inside a conservatory, garage or temporary shelter. If this is not possible, be sure to insulate the pots well with bubble wrap or fabric to prevent frost from damaging the roots.
4. Prepare the vegetable garden for winter
Autumn is also a key time to prepare your vegetable garden. After harvesting the last summer vegetables, it is important to remove the exhausted plants and work the soil. Loosen it to promote better oxygenation and add compost or manure to enrich the soil for future plantings.
This is also a great time to plant cold-hardy vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, and leeks. These vegetables will continue to grow throughout the fall and will be ready to harvest in the winter. You can also plant green manures, such as mustard or clover, to improve soil quality.
5. Maintaining garden furniture
Fall often marks the end of long evenings spent outdoors. However, that doesn't mean you should neglect your patio furniture. Before winter sets in, take the time to thoroughly clean your outdoor furniture.Finally, consider covering your furniture with suitable covers , use a storage box for your cushions, or, if you can, store your furniture in a garage or shed.
For those who want to continue enjoying their gardens during the fall, consider investing in an outdoor heater or cozy throws for your chairs. A campfire or fire pit can also add a warm ambiance while allowing you to extend your evenings outdoors despite the chill.
6. Enjoy moments of relaxation
Autumn, with its cooler temperatures and soothing atmosphere, is a perfect season to enjoy moments of relaxation in your garden. Sit comfortably in an armchair with a blanket, a hot drink in hand, and let yourself be lulled by the rustling of the leaves.
It's also the perfect time to set up a cozy corner outside. Arrange cushions on your chairs or benches, hang up some fairy lights, and let yourself be enveloped by the soft and comforting atmosphere of autumn.
Conclusion
Fall, far from being a dead season, is a period rich in activities for any garden lover. Between maintaining the grounds, preparing the plantations and moments of relaxation, there are a thousand and one reasons to continue enjoying your outdoor space. So, don't hesitate to put these tips into practice to make your garden a welcoming place ready for winter, while savoring the last beautiful days of the season.
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