Avoid carrying out these five actions in a fake autumn to prevent long-term harm to your plants:
As the days grow shorter and the air begins to chill, it's easy to mistake a temporary drop in temperatures for the arrival of fall. However, it's important to remember that a false fall doesn't signal the end of summer quite yet. Here are some tips to help you care for your garden during this transitional period.
The official start of fall this year is on Monday, 22nd September. But, before that, it's best to avoid certain gardening activities that could potentially harm your plants and trees. A false fall can be deceptive, as it may leave your plants vulnerable to stress, pests, and diseases.
One such activity to avoid is pruning. It's more beneficial to leave pruning until late winter or early spring for most deciduous trees or shrubs. Pruning during a false fall can stimulate soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before frost hits. This can lead to damage to the plant. Moreover, pruning during a false fall increases a plant's susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Another activity to steer clear of is fertilizing. Fertilizing during a false fall encourages tender new growth that may be damaged once real fall and frost arrive. Instead, during late fall, you can add compost or use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to boost root health. Hold off on fertilizer until late fall.
Watering is another crucial aspect to consider. Keep watering consistently, especially for vegetables, lawns, and containers. However, as the heat returns, even during a false fall, reduce watering for lawns, containers, and perennials.
When it comes to pruning, during a false fall, focus on removing only dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This will help maintain the health of your plants and trees.
false fall can also be a great time to prepare for the upcoming season. Activities like dividing crowded perennials or relocating plants are best done once cooler weather is consistent. Wait until temperatures have truly cooled and remain steady before dividing or transplanting.
Leaves can be gathered for leaf mold or compost, or left in place as natural mulch after leaf drop is truly over. A thin layer of fallen leaves can insulate soil and provide shelter for beneficial insects and pollinators.
Remember, a false fall is not a signal to put away your gardening tools completely. Protect your hands with these black gloves, which will keep you safe and protected when cutting back plants as well as weeding, dividing, and feeding. For a more durable and efficient solution for watering, consider this soaker hose, which comes in a range of lengths and lies flat to store away from one season to another.
As true fall arrives, you can start watering more deeply but less frequently, which encourages strong root systems ahead of winter. This will set your plants up for a healthier winter season. And, with the arrival of true fall, those attractive red and white Okatsune pruners will prove to be a wise investment for the pruning season ahead.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy and thriving throughout the transitional period of a false fall and into the official start of fall.
