THE success of your garden stands or falls on the state of your soil and in autumn, after a hard summer of growing, it is time to give it some TLC.
If your soil is heavy and clay-based, this is the ideal moment to dig in lots of organic matter (rotted compost or manure) and grit to open it up, improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging and flooding this winter.
Digging in well-rotted organic matter will also benefit thin, chalky soil as it gives it more heft, improving its ability to retain water and hold on to any fertilizers you add over the coming months.
It is also a good idea to test your soil now to find out which areas require extra attention. If plants in one patch haven’t been flowering or fruiting as well as expected, you may need to enrich the soil with a potassium-based fertilizer.
Denne historien er fra October 23, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra October 23, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
