Cleaning the garden in the autumn is an important part of preparing it for winter and creating a good foundation for the next growing season. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the garden in autumn:
1. Raking leaves
- Why?: Leaves left behind can suffocate the grass and cause mold and fungal attacks.
- How?: Use a leaf rake to collect the leaves. Leaves from healthy trees can be used as compost or mulch around bushes and trees. Leaves from diseased trees should be removed to prevent the spread of disease.
2. Mowing the lawn
- Why?: A final mowing helps keep the lawn healthy during the winter and reduces the risk of diseases like snow mold.
- How?: Mow the grass short, but not too short – about 4-5 cm is ideal. Be sure to mow one last time before the first frost.
3. Pruning bushes and perennials
- Why?: Pruning promotes healthy growth and prevents bushes and plants from becoming overgrown or infested with pests.
- How?: Prune dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and bushes. For perennials, cut down wilted flowers and foliage close to the ground. However, leave seed heads from plants that are decorative or can provide food for birds during the winter.
4. Remove old plants and weeds
- Why?: Old vegetable plants and weeds can harbor pests and diseases over the winter.
- How?: Pull up and compost old vegetable plants, such as tomato and pumpkin plants. Remove weeds from flower beds and raised beds, as they will otherwise come back stronger in the spring.
5. Improve the soil
- Why?: Improving the soil in the fall gives it time to absorb nutrients and prepare for spring.
- How?: Add compost or well-rotted manure to flower beds and vegetable beds. Lightly dig it into the soil so that it mixes well. If you don't have your own compost, you can buy or produce a layer of "green manure", such as clover or peas, to protect the soil and add nutrients.
6. Protect sensitive plants
- Why?: Some plants cannot withstand cold winters and need extra protection.
- How?: Lay a layer of straw, leaves, or bark mulch around the base of plants to protect the roots from frost. Move sensitive potted plants indoors or place them in a sheltered area. You can also use plant covers or fleece to cover sensitive bushes and perennials.
7. Clean up and store tools and garden furniture
- Why?: To extend the life of your tools and furniture, it is important that they are cleaned and stored properly.
- How?: Clean all garden tools with soap and lubricate them with oil to prevent rust during the winter. Store them in a dry storage space. Clean and cover outdoor furniture or store it indoors if possible.
8. Planting bulbs and autumn plants
- Why?: Autumn is the best time to plant bulbs that bloom in the spring, such as tulips, crocuses, and daffodils.
- How?: Plant the bulbs according to instructions for each type (usually 2-3 times the bulb's height deep). Make sure the bulbs are planted with the root end down. Also plant autumn flowers such as heather or ornamental cabbage to give the garden color during the autumn months.
9. Clear and clean garden paths and patios
- Why?: Keeping paths and patios clean from moss and dirt helps them stay in better condition and reduces the risk of slipping during the winter.
- How?: Use a brush or pressure washer to remove dirt, leaves, and algae from paved paths, stairs, and patios. If there is a lot of moss, you can use soap and a stiff brush to scrub the moss off the slabs.
10. Collect and compost garden waste
- Why?: Composting transforms garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, which you can use for your garden during the next season.
- How?: Collect leaves, clippings, grass clippings, and other garden waste and place it in a compost bin. Be sure to mix materials that break down slowly (branches and leaves) with materials that break down quickly (grass clippings and plant residues) to get a good balance in the compost.
11. Care of garden ponds or water features
- Why?: Water features that are not maintained can freeze and cause damage during the winter.
- How?: Remove leaves and debris from ponds and fountains. If you have a garden pond, consider placing a net over it to prevent more leaves from falling in. Drain small fountains and store them if possible, or make sure they do not freeze by turning off the water and draining the pipes.
- Drain water taps. Bring in water hoses and fittings that otherwise risk freezing.
- All types of pumps also need to be stored so that they do not freeze.
12. Snow removal
- Make sure snow removal is easy. Put up snow markers. Place objects such as the garbage can so that they are not in the way of snow removal. Other movable objects such as garden benches, bicycles, and the like should also be moved so that they are not damaged during snow removal.
- Bring out snow shovels, snow pushers and crowbars or bark spades for ice control.
- Arrange for a bucket of sand to combat slipperiness.
- Bring out a snow brush and service the snow blower if you have one.
Summary:
By following these steps for autumn cleaning of the garden, you can keep it in good condition and prepare it for the winter. In this way, it will be ready for a strong and healthy start in the spring.
1. Why is it important to rake leaves in the garden in autumn?
Leaves left behind can suffocate the grass and cause mold. Use healthy leaves as compost or mulch around bushes, but remove leaves from diseased trees.
2. How can I protect sensitive plants during the winter?
Lay straw or bark mulch around the base of plants to protect the roots, and cover them with fleece or move potted plants indoors.
3. What should I do with my garden tools before winter?
Clean the tools with soap and lubricate them with oil to prevent rust, and store them dry during the winter.
Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa