The gardening year is slowly coming to an end. Now it's time to do the last gardening tasks before winter and prepare everything for next year so that everything can bloom in spring. Autumn is the best time to plant.
Harvesting the last harvest
October is the month of the last harvest and an important time to prepare the garden for winter. Many plants, such as chives, cucumbers, celeriac, and beetroot, are now reaching full maturity and should be harvested. The apple harvest is also in full swing, and the trees are bearing heavy loads of ripe, juicy fruit. Chives now develop their intensely spicy aroma and can be frozen fresh to enjoy throughout the winter. Celeriac, a hearty root vegetable, should be harvested now and stored in a cool place for versatile use in winter cooking. Beetroot, rich in vitamins and minerals, glows a deep red and is a true all-rounder in the kitchen and should be harvested now. The last cucumbers are also particularly crisp and aromatic, ideal for enjoying fresh or preserving for the winter. The bountiful harvest in October rewards the hard work of the gardening year and promises enjoyment and sustenance in the coming winter months.
Protect potted plants from the cold so they can overwinter safely
Many potted plants are sensitive to cold and require special protection to survive the winter unscathed. It's important to make space in greenhouses, conservatories, or garden sheds in good time to house the plants safely. For potted plants that overwinter outdoors, frost protection measures should be taken early. Purchasing frost protection covers , coir mats , winter fleece, and coir discs is recommended to protect the plants well before the first frosty nights and ensure a safe overwintering.
The foundation for a blooming spring
October is the ideal time to plant bulbs for the coming year. During this autumn, the bulbs can still develop roots and acclimate to their new location before winter sets in. The dormancy period supports this process and optimally prepares the plants for the upcoming flowering season. If you want to enjoy a colorful sea of flowers next spring, you should plant the bulbs now.
How to start the new gardening year successfully
New fruit trees should definitely be planted before the first frost so they can develop fibrous roots. Optimal growth is encouraged by filling the planting hole with a mixture of soil and compost to provide the young trees with sufficient nutrients. A generous watering regime is also crucial to ensure the trees grow quickly and get off to a good start in the next gardening season.
Remove leaves, protect plants and lawns in autumn
The colorful leaves of autumn are beautiful to look at, but regular leaf raking can quickly become a tedious chore. Raking leaves every two weeks is usually sufficient. However, when the layer of leaves becomes too thick, it's important to remove them quickly to prevent plants, shrubs, and grass from rotting underneath. This will keep your garden healthy and well-maintained even in autumn.
October as an ideal starting point for magnificent blossoms
October offers the best opportunity to plant roses, as the location and soil quality are crucial. Roses require a sunny spot and nutrient-rich soil to thrive. However, you should be careful when pruning in the fall: A light trim during the first winter temperatures is sufficient, while a thorough pruning is best done in the spring to ensure the roses are healthy and strong for the new year.
Preventive care for a weed-free garden year
October is the ideal time to weed and loosen the soil in your beds. Since weeds are now releasing their seeds, timely removal can save you a lot of work in the coming year. This preventative measure helps reduce the spread of weeds next spring and keeps your beds healthy and well-maintained.
Care for the winter, protection for beneficial insects
Autumn is the ideal time to grab your pruning shears and prune many perennials and shrubs. However, faded perennials and grasses should be left standing for ecological reasons, as they can serve as winter homes for important beneficial insects. These plants should therefore not be removed until spring. Pruning fruit trees should also be postponed until spring to ensure optimal tree care while respecting nature's winter dormancy.
Now winter can come. With the right gardening in October, you'll lay the foundation for a healthy and blooming garden next spring—and enjoy the golden autumn season to the fullest.
Good luck with your gardening!
