The first frost is approaching: what to do if green tomatoes are still hanging on the bushes?
And how and when do I cut my trees?
The Tölzer Kurier asked experts.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- The Tölzer Land will soon see frosty temperatures for the first time in autumn.
Many dahlias, for example, are still in full splendor.
If you want to enjoy them in the coming year, you have to remove the tubers from the ground before the start of winter.
“These plants are not frost hardy,” says Regina Demmel from the board of directors of the Lenggries fruit and horticultural association.
In winter, the most important thing for dahlias is correct storage: "The tubers should overwinter in a box with sand and earth," advises Demmel.
A box with holes is recommended so that the plants can breathe.
Otherwise there is a risk of mold forming.
It is difficult to say when is the perfect time to prune the fruit trees.
"The trees can be cut back in both autumn and spring," says Demmel.
"The tendency is more towards spring."
When is it time to bring potted plants into the house?
The Lenggrieserin also has a few pieces of advice ready for handling potted plants.
On individual frosty nights, it is enough to cover the pots to protect the flowers from the icy temperatures.
If the cold nights increase, mostly in November, it is definitely time to bring the buckets into the house.
"The plants should overwinter in a place that is not too warm or too dark and only watered moderately," says Demmel.
She knows that your own living room is usually only partially suitable for wintering the plants.
Even now in autumn it is still possible to plant new shrubs and perennials.
"But you mustn't be sensitive to frost," says Demmel.
In addition, you can currently still grow spinach and lamb's lettuce.
Depending on the weather, you could even harvest in late autumn.
"If the lamb's lettuce is already snowed in, you should wait until spring before harvesting," says the Lenggrieserin.
This is not a problem, as the salad survives the cold season well.
Now is the time to plant bulbs
If you want a beautiful garden in spring, you should plant bulbs now, such as daffodils and tulips.
"So that roses survive the winter well, it is enough to cover the roots with earth," says Karin Siegert, chairwoman of the Bad Tölz horticultural association.
You should also shorten the shoots a little.
"Not too much, however, as another rose pruning will take place in spring."
But now you have to cut back a lot of bushes, including junipers, says Siegert.
Cherry laurel, on the other hand, should not be cut back in autumn.
And if you still have green fruits hanging on your tomato plants, you should harvest them and let them ripen in a sunny place, for example by the kitchen window.
Do not leave the clippings lying around after the last lawn mowing
For a winter-proof garden, it is also important to turn off the water connections on the outside of the house.
"Before doing this, you should completely empty the lines and hoses," says Tölzerin.
“Otherwise there is a risk that the water in it will freeze when there is frost.” Siegert also advises mowing the lawn again.
However, the clippings should not be left behind.
“That mosses everything else.” The same applies to falling leaves.
Leaving together in a corner offers a good retreat for hedgehogs.
Much gardening work, says the club's chairwoman, can be done by yourself.
However, if you are unsure about pruning a fruit tree, you should seek advice from a specialist.
"Above all by cutting back too much, you can destroy a lot."
From Franziska Selter
