October is the ideal month to prepare your garden for winter in Europe. With the arrival of autumn, many plants enter a dormant phase, making them more resilient to pruning.
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Pruning at this time helps strengthen plants, prevent diseases, and ensure healthy flowering in the coming spring.
Here are five plants that deserve your attention before the month ends:
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a perennial plant that benefits greatly from autumn pruning. Trim about one-third of the plant, removing dry parts and woody stems. This helps maintain a rounded shape and prevents the plant from looking worn out after winter. It also stimulates the growth of fragrant, flower-bearing shoots in spring.
2. Climbing roses (Rosa spp.)
Although heavy pruning of climbing roses is best done in late winter or early spring, a light pruning in October can be beneficial. Remove any damaged or diseased stems to prevent the wind from breaking them during winter. This also helps prepare the plant for healthy spring growth.
3. Deciduous fruit trees
Trees such as apple, pear, and fig trees enter dormancy in autumn, making this the perfect time for pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches and make cuts to improve air circulation and light penetration. This helps prevent diseases and promotes an abundant harvest in the next season.
4. Deciduous ornamental shrubs
Shrubs such as boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) should be pruned after the leaves fall but before the first frost. This helps maintain the desired shape and removes dead or damaged wood. Avoid pruning too early, as it can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by cold weather.
5. Evergreen plants
Plants such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) should be pruned after flowering but before winter. Remove wilted flowers and damaged stems to maintain plant health and improve appearance. Avoid cutting too short, as this can weaken the plant before the cold season.
General tips for autumn pruning
- Clean and sharp tools: Use well-sharpened and clean pruning shears to avoid plant damage and the spread of diseases.
- Avoid pruning in wet weather: Do not prune during rain or when the soil is too wet, as this increases the risk of fungal infections.
- Waste removal: Collect and properly dispose of pruned branches to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Mulching: After pruning, apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and protect roots from the cold.
Carrying out these prunings before the end of October will help prepare your garden for winter and ensure healthy growth in the following spring.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
