After summer garden recovery advices
Summer is indeed a demanding season for gardens and plants and this is due to several factors as the heat which increases evaporation and transpiration rates, excessive sunlight that may lead to sunburn and pests or diseases that are most frequent during summer time.
By following these post-summer garden recovery tips, you can prepare your garden for a successful autumn growing season and maintain a healthy and beautiful outdoor space.
Clean and aereate the soil
Begin by removing any dry leaves, dead plants and other debris from the garden. This will help prevent the build-up of pests and diseases and improve the overall appearance of your garden.
The next step will be aereating the soil: after a hot summer, your soil may have become compacted. To improve soil aeration and water infiltration, use a garden fork or aeration tool to gently loosen the soil in your garden beds. This will help the roots of your plants breathe and access nutrients more easily.
Consider removing the top layer of soil in your garden beds if it has become excessively dry or compacted. This will expose fresh soil underneath and provide a better growing environment for your autumn plants.
Add organic matter and test soil pH
Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This will enrich the soil with nutrients, improve its water-holding capacity, and enhance its overall structure. Mix the organic matter evenly into the soil.
Conduct a soil pH test to determine if your soil is too acidic or alkaline. Adjust the pH as needed by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulphur (to lower pH) according to the test results. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic pH level.
Plant autumn bulbs and add mulch
Autumn is a great time to plant bulbs that will bloom in the spring. Popular choices include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. Follow the planting depth and spacing recommendations for the specific bulbs you choose, and water them well after planting.
Take stock of your garden and plan for autumn plantings of cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These can thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours of fall.
Apply a layer of mulch to your garden beds to help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips work well.
Watering and pruning
Trim back overgrown or dead foliage on perennial plants, and consider dividing any crowded clumps to encourage healthier growth. This is also a good time to cut back any diseased or pest-infested plants.
Continue to water your garden as needed, but be mindful not to overwater. As temperatures cool in the fall, plants generally require less water: our suggestion would be watering deeply and less frequently.