Autumn gardening: seasonal tips for harvesting and plant care

As autumn approaches, gardeners are advised to focus on harvesting, plant maintenance, and preparing for winter. Key tasks include harvesting summer crops like tomatoes, cornets, and pumpkins before the first frost. For tomatoes, experts suggest increasing potassium-rich fertilizers and adjusting watering schedules to improve flavor and ripening.

Plant care is also critical. Dahlias require reinforcement staking to withstand autumn winds, while roses may need specific attention at the base to maintain vigor. Planting young fruit trees, such as cherries, in September can aid root development. Additionally, certain plants like geraniums can be planted now to create ground cover and suppress weeds.

For food preservation, seasonal fruits like cornets and apples are ideal for jams and sauces. Cornets can be used to make meat sauces or jams when combined with apples. Gardeners are also encouraged to utilize outdoor workstations, such as IKEA’s NÄMMARÖ series, to manage harvests and tools more efficiently without bringing soil indoors.