In October the scissors will be used again. But faded perennials and grasses do not need a complete pruning as they do in spring. A trim is usually enough. Shoots that are too long are shortened to approximately knee height and uncontrolled growth is corrected.
In frost, faded perennials and grasses not only have a high decorative value when the hoar frost covers them. Beneficial insects also like to hide in hollow stems and seed pods. For ecological reasons, the plants should remain on the beds as long as possible. Dried things can be easily removed in spring, as many shoots are then dried and can then be easily broken off, like with phlox. Willows, birches and maples are only cut when they are dormant in winter. Then their wounds close better. The work should be carried out in frost-free weather.
New fruit trees are now coming into the ground. They can form fibrous roots until the first frost. The root ball is slightly torn before planting. A mixture of soil with compost or horn shavings is placed in the planting hole, which supplies the tree with nutrients. The planting site is then watered sufficiently so that the tree grows better.
Also pay attention to the right mix: For all fruit trees, mixed plantings of different varieties have a positive effect on fertilization. In some species, such as apple trees, sweet cherries or some types of plums, it is even necessary, otherwise the trees will not develop fruit. Mixed planting also has a positive effect on the harvest season: this lasts from summer to autumn thanks to early, mid-early and late varieties.
Mulch protects open areas from the cold. Leaves or perennial cuttings can be left under the bushes as a layer of mulch. The organic material becomes humus, which stores nutrients and water like a sponge in the soil. The soil underneath remains loose, moist and fertile.
The last cucumbers, eggplants and chives are completely harvested before winter. It is also harvest time for celeriac and beetroot. Fruit vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers continue to develop flowers and fruit in frost-free weather. At the latest when a cold night puts an end to the tomato vines, the ripe, red fruits are harvested together with the green tomatoes. The unripe fruits can still ripen well in a sunny window seat in the house. Some vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, even get a better flavor when they are exposed to the first frosts.
