The soil kept in good condition is the basis for the proper development of plants. It does not matter whether it is a place for growing flowering or useful plants.It is enough to take a minimum care of the substrate in autumn, and fruit trees and shrubs will better withstand the hardships of wintering in the ground.
In nature, the ground never remains exposed, it is always covered with a layer of fallen leaves, carpet of creeping plants, and finally thickets. In the garden, this task is taken over by the mulch. For ornamental woody plants, berry shrubs and perennials, high-quality bark compost (pine bark is best) is suitable. Mediterranean roses and herbs like limestone soil and do not tolerate mulch that will acidify the soil.Dry leaves, preferably fruit trees, birch or beech trees can be used for these plants.
You should avoid chestnut and walnut leaves, because they contain tannins that acidify the soil, and besides, these leaves slowly decompose. The soil around the plants must be agitated.The base of the bush, and especially the place of grafting in roses, should be buried with mature compost.Compost feeding should be repeated in spring.
In the fall it is worth kicking the garden. This is especially important on heavy soils. Digging improves the physical properties of the soil: loosens it and aerates it. Besides, in spring it is easier to cultivate such soil, usually it is enough to level it.Digging the ground disturbs the structure of soil micro-organisms, fortunately this structure rebuilds itself by spring.
We dig clay soil with compost, because it will additionally improve its properties. Anyway, more and more is said that the best way to permanently maintain a loose structure of the substrate is to use humus (in the form of mature compost) and to regularly sow plants for green fertilizer.
The substrate guarantees he althy development
The soil should be dug to the depth of the spade, turning the lumps of earth 180 degrees and leaving them in the so-calledFrost will partially eliminate pests present in the soil, and additionally improve its structure.Deep digging is not recommended in spring due to significant water loss due to evaporation.
