Gardening guides offer seasonal tips for autumn and winter preparation

As the summer season ends, gardeners are transitioning to autumn and winter maintenance. Key strategies include planting cold-season flowers like winter pansies and cyclamen to maintain garden color, and utilizing nasturtiums as a natural trap crop to protect vegetable patches from aphids in the coming year.

Soil preparation is a major focus, with techniques such as using cardboard to enrich the earth and managing earthworm activity during heatwaves. For specific plants, gardeners are advised to plant climbing species in late August to take advantage of warm soil, and to prune geraniums by removing entire flower stems to encourage a second bloom. Proper care for hydrangeas involves avoiding excessive pruning of two-year-old stems to ensure future flowering.

Vegetable gardening continues with the planting of winter crops like mâche, spinach, and winter radishes. Additionally, seasonal tasks include managing soil health, such as identifying whether white residue in pots is mineral buildup or mold, and following lunar cycles to optimize planting and harvesting for better yields.