Gardening in autumn: This work is now necessary in the garden

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There’s still a lot to do before the garden goes into hibernation. Evergreens such as Bergenias or Christmas roses should be removed. Ornamental grasses should be tied together in the upper third of the leaf cluster to protect the cluster from rotting. Pruning is done only in spring, before the first green tips appear.

Whether you prune perennials in the fall or spring depends on several factors. This includes the type of habitat or plant community.

The right time to prune perennials

Timing is important when it comes to autumn pruning: cutting can only be done when the above-ground parts of the plant are completely dead. The plant then stores its energy-rich substances in the roots. It can use this nutrient reservoir when it sprouts in the spring.

For perennials such as maidenhair, cocaea, oxtongue, field wax or daisy, early autumn pruning is recommended at the end of September. It prolongs the life of plants by promoting the formation of overwintering rosettes and buds.

You can also use scissors if you want to prevent the plants from multiplying by self-sowing. If there are many plants that bloom in early spring, such as snowdrops, grape hyacinths or wood anemones, it is recommended to prune perennials in late autumn. This makes it easier to care for among the emerging spring blooms. Another issue is plant health. If there are signs of leaf spot on peonies or mallow rust on hollyhock, the stems should be cut as low as possible after flowering and discarded with the leaves.

Pay attention to biodiversity

However, most pruning work can only be done in spring with a clear conscience. Especially when you garden with the rhythm of nature. This is more important than ever in times of insect decline. Then the stems, leaves, old flowers and seed heads remain until March. Insects overwinter in hollow stems, seeds serve as food for birds, and small animals find shelter in the leaves. In addition, the dried parts of the plant protect the rootstocks from frost and cold.

If you prune only in spring, you’ll have less work to do: dead plant parts can often break off beyond the border. Last but not least, the winter fur of many plants is a beautiful sight, especially when there is frost.

Reuse autumn leaves

Ecological criteria also apply to gazebos. Autumn leaves add nutrients to the soil and prevent it from drying out. First of all, it is an important wintering area for insects, amphibians and small animals such as hedgehogs. Leaves should be removed from lawns and paths. Lawns are damaged by damp leaves and there is a risk of slipping on paths and squares.

Leaves may remain elsewhere. It is especially useful among hedgerows. Here, many plants share too little space and the food supply is dwindling. Valuable nutrients are also formed in wood due to rotting leaves.

Autumn leaves can also be used as frost protection for sensitive plants. Depending on the region, figs, torch lilies, outdoor fuchsias, saint herb, prairie candles or rosemary will thank you when the area around their roots is filled with a thin layer of leaves. This provides protection against the winter sun and therefore drying out. For standard and other roses, as well as southern roses such as camellias, additional winter protection made of fir branches is recommended from November onwards.

Preparations for a flowery spring

Between September and October is also the time to plant bulbs and tubers. If you don’t know exactly how deep the bulb should be planted, you can use an old gardening rule: A bulb should be twice as deep in the soil as it is tall.

For crocuses, anemones, snowdrops or scillas this is about five centimeters. Hyacinths, tulips and steppe candles require a planting depth of about 12 centimeters, lilies and daffodils up to 20 centimeters. Putting some compost in the planting hole makes rooting easier. It is recommended to place bulbs, especially tulips, in a wire plant basket to prevent voracious mice.

Source : Blick