Gardening advice for autumn planting and soil preparation

As autumn approaches, gardeners are advised to focus on planting trees, shrubs, and specific vegetables to ensure successful growth and winter harvests. Planting during cooler, wetter periods allows new plants to concentrate energy on developing root systems, which aids recovery in the spring. Using universal potting soil and regular watering during dry spells is recommended.

For vegetable gardens, late August provides an ideal window to sow hardy crops such as mâche, winter spinach, radishes, and turnips. Planting bulbs like white and red onions, as well as shallots, is also advised. To prepare the soil, gardeners should remove spent summer plants like tomatoes and peppers, rake the earth, and apply mulch to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. Maintaining soil cover with green manure, such as phacelia, can also improve soil quality and structure.