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Avoid performing these 5 actions in a false autumn to prevent lasting harm to your plants, gardeners warned.

A pseudofall in plants triggers a stress response, not a cue for initiating fall gardening chores. Here are five actions to avoid during a false fall.

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Avoid performing these five actions in a fake autumn season, to prevent long-term harm to your...
Avoid performing these five actions in a fake autumn season, to prevent long-term harm to your plants.

Avoid performing these 5 actions in a false autumn to prevent lasting harm to your plants, gardeners warned.

As the days grow shorter and the air begins to cool, gardeners may notice a change in their outdoor spaces. However, it's important to remember that the arrival of fall is not always as immediate as it seems. This period, often referred to as the 'false fall,' can be a confusing time for both plants and gardeners alike.

During this transitional phase, it's crucial to adjust your gardening practices to prepare your plants for the upcoming winter. Here are some key tips to help you navigate this period:

  1. Watering: As true fall arrives, you should start watering more deeply but less frequently. This encourages strong root systems that will be better equipped to handle the winter months. Reduce watering consistently, especially for vegetables, lawns, and container plants. However, keep in mind that consistently watering container plants can prevent stress when warm days return.
  2. Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing during this period as it encourages tender new growth that may be damaged once real fall and frost arrive. Instead, hold off on fertilizer until late fall to avoid encouraging such growth.
  3. Pruning: Pruning during a false fall is risky because it stimulates a flush of soft new growth, which won't have time to harden off before frost hits. Instead, focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning during a false fall can increase a plant's overall susceptibility to pests and diseases.
  4. Dividing and Transplanting: Wait until temperatures have truly cooled and remain steady before dividing or transplanting. Doing it during a false fall can leave stressed roots exposed to renewed late-summer heat.
  5. Leaf Management: Instead of removing leaves prematurely, let them remain in borders and under shrubs until leaf drop is truly over. At that point, they can be gathered for leaf mold or compost, or left in place as natural mulch. Clearing leaves during a false fall can be counterproductive as it may require repeated cleaning when the real fall sets in.
  6. Wildlife Attraction: Attracting wildlife to your garden and giving the ecosystem a boost are other jobs you can begin in fall. A thin layer of fallen leaves can insulate soil and provide shelter for beneficial insects and pollinators.
  7. Pruning Timeline: Certain plants can be pruned in September; a dedicated guide can provide more information. Reshaping or hard pruning should be done later in the winter or very early spring, when plants are fully dormant and can regrow strongly.
  8. Autumn's Official Arrival: Fall officially begins on Monday 22nd September. In late fall, you can add compost or use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to boost root health.

Remember, the recommendation to avoid picking plants during a false autumn was not explicitly attributed to any specific person or organization in the provided search results.

By following these tips, you can help your garden thrive during the false fall and be well-prepared for the arrival of true autumn. Happy gardening!

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