Care of the flower bed in October

In October, nature begins to prepare for winter. The task of any florist to help plants to maintain strength for the next season. For this it is necessary to think in advance of the whole complex of measures.

General recommendations

Autumn is the time of falling leaves. They lay on the ground like a veil. Before the first snow falls, all the garbage from the flowerbed must be removed. Otherwise, the leaves will become a nutrient medium for pathogenic microflora, which will lead to the development of plant diseases. For landings that require mulching, the material must be prepared separately. It is better to use pine needles or sawdust.

The flower should be weeded and thoroughly loosened. Only in this way will we manage to restrain the rapid growth of weeds in the spring. Remove all annual plants with rhizomes. They take away the force from the soil, which deprives the nutrients of perennials.

If the autumn is too dry, then the earth will have to be spilled by water on its own. Plants that have not received enough moisture before wintering will not suffer frost and will die. Especially it concerns young seedlings.

In late October, it is recommended to fertilize the soil. For this, complex mineral fertilizers are used. Benefit will bring ash or compost. Organic top dressing especially like peonies.

Preparation of perennials for winter

Perennials require special care in October. The main task of the florist is to help them survive the harsh winter. Plants such as astilbe, irises, peonies, aquilegia and so on should be sheltered. Before this, all the foliage is removed using a pruner. The length of the remaining aboveground part should not exceed 5 cm. At clematis, the shoots are cut so that they have two knots left.

The root system must be covered. It is best to use sawdust and spruce lapnik for this. The procedure is carried out in dry weather. Otherwise, the probability of developing fungal diseases increases.

Clematis hide in a special way. In the beginning they are covered with a small wooden box. Only after this, a layer of dried leaves and fir branches is piled on top. Cover clematis should be when the air temperature drops to 5 - 7 degrees.

Care for bulbous

Autumn is the time for planting and transplanting most species of bulbous plants. The following recommendations should be adhered to:

1. At the very beginning of October, you can start planting lilies. Simultaneously, the procedure of dividing the old bulbs is carried out.
2. After them, plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses and so on. Observe the basic rule - the depth of embedding the bulb in the soil should be equal to its three diameters. Large specimens are located further apart. Small bulbs are planted more densely.
3. Hyacinths sprout faster than others, so the time of their landing is postponed. It is better to do this in the middle of October.
4. In late October, all planting should be sprinkled with a layer of fresh peat.
5. If you do not have time to dig out all the gladiolus bulbs in September, then it's not too late to do it in October. Getting started is best when the temperature drops to 3 degrees. The main thing is to do everything before October 15. Dug up the bulbs on a sack, and let them dry. It will take 10 to 15 days. In this case, the room should be maintained at a temperature of 25 degrees. After the bulbs are removed to a cool place for another 15 days. Transfer them to a linen bag or cardboard box and store for permanent storage in a cellar or refrigerator.

Planting tulips, daffodils and lilies should be covered with polyethylene film. The rest is enough to cover with spruce branches.

If you want to get a bouquet of tulips by March 8, then turn to their forcing in October. For this, the bulbs are planted in boxes with soil and cleaned in a cool place.

We prepare for the winter rhizome plants

Rhizome perennials, for example, dahlias and canes, it is better to excavate before winter. Do it better in the morning. In doing so, follow the following instructions:

1. Cut the aboveground part of the plant so that no more than 10 cm of shoots are left.
2. Carefully dig up the rhizome. Take care not to damage it. It is strictly forbidden to pull the rhizome by the stem.
3. Clean the rhizome from excess ground with a jet of water.
4. Place the tubers in a solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. This is necessary for their disinfection.
5. After the rhizomes have dried, place them for three weeks in a cool place. They must completely dry out.
6. Prepare the planting material in a wooden box, fill with sawdust, peat, vermiculite and sand.
7. Put away for permanent storage in the cellar or cellar.

The correct preparation of flowering plants for the winter will help to keep the whole flower garden intact. You do not have to buy new planting material in the spring and plan new flower beds.

October at the flower garden - video