Gardening advice for autumn plant care and winter preparation

As autumn approaches, gardening experts provide guidance on plant maintenance to ensure healthy growth and survival through winter.

For lilac shrubs, experts advise against pruning in September, as this can remove the flower buds intended for next spring. The ideal time for pruning is late May or June, immediately after flowering. However, dead or diseased branches can be removed at any time.

Evergreen plants, such as rhododendrons, thujas, and cherry laurels, require deep watering in September and October. Relying solely on light rainfall can lead to physiological drought, where plants dry out during winter because their tissues were insufficiently hydrated before the ground froze.

Regarding blueberries, gardeners should avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers in late summer to prevent the growth of new shoots that may not harden before frost. Instead, focus on root protection and maintaining acidic soil. Additionally, while banana peels are a popular source of potassium, they should be added to compost rather than buried directly under plants to ensure proper nutrient absorption.