Gardening Guide: Autumn Plant Care and Winterization Tips

As the gardening season transitions to autumn and winter, various experts provide guidance on plant maintenance, harvesting, and winterization across Central and Eastern Europe.

Key horticultural advice includes distinguishing between non-toxic autumn crocuses and poisonous hellebores, and avoiding premature pruning of fig trees to protect next year's fruit. For vegetable gardeners, late September is identified as the ideal time to plant winter onions, though garlic should wait for colder soil.

Winter preparation involves specific care for various species: Christmas cacti require a period of darkness and cool temperatures to bloom, while camellias need cool, bright locations to prevent bud drop. Salvias and geraniums can be overwintered indoors or in sheltered spots to ensure spring regrowth. Lawn care experts recommend mowing grass to a height of 4-5 cm before the first major frost to prevent rot and snow mold.

Additionally, the season offers opportunities for harvesting medicinal herbs like rosehips and saffron, as well as edible garden plants like dahlias and chrysanthemums. For those managing garden tools, retailers like Lidl are offering discounts on equipment such as electric chainsaws to assist with autumn cleanup.