Autumn soil treatment for diseases and pests

Many amateur gardeners know that autumn is the best time to thoroughly prepare the soil and eliminate pests and various diseases. This will determine the next year's high yield. Moreover, such work must be undertaken with the utmost care, as inexperienced gardeners often make the most basic mistakes.

 

Many gardeners often believe that when collecting fallen leaves, the best way to do this is to cover their garden beds or dig up the soil, using it as fertilizer. However, doing so actually harms their garden. Leaves can harbor various pests, which can cause a lot of trouble for their owners in the future.

 

Proper treatment of the site in the autumn period

 

Carrying out basic, proper soil preparation will ensure maximum soil preparation for the next harvest. This work typically begins in the fall, after the harvest has been fully harvested. First, use a shovel to dig the area to a depth of 30–40 centimeters. Then, use a rake to harrow the soil.

 

When digging, various fertilizers are often added. This can include compost or manure of various origins. If the soil is acidic, it can be treated with lime or chalk, which will neutralize it. Many plants do not thrive in an acidic environment, which results in low yields.

Treating the soil in the fall to control diseases and pests by digging the soil is quite convenient, as turning the surface layer kills most pests during the winter cold. This often also kills a large number of perennial weeds.

 

Uncultivated, heavy soil is best worked with a bayonet shovel. Old, humus-rich soil can be dug with a pitchfork, which is convenient for extracting plant roots because they are not chopped into pieces but remain intact and can be completely removed the following year. It's important to note that when digging the surface soil, avoid leaving large clumps, as this leads to soil freezing, as well as weathering and snow retention.

 

During the initial digging of an uncultivated area, the top layer is typically turned over, rocks are removed, and tree roots are cleared. The soil is then carefully raked using a shovel, hoe, and rake. In the spring, the surface is leveled and dug again, but to a shallower depth than the original. The addition of organic fertilizers is also essential.

 

Today, there are numerous modern methods for increasing soil fertility and restoring it. However, many gardeners often resort to old methods of soil cultivation, such as mulching.

 

For this, you can use a variety of additional materials that are always on hand. For example, sawdust, pine needles, and hay are often used as organic materials. Expanded clay is a good inorganic material. A layer of mulch should cover the soil at least several centimeters thick, regardless of whether it's an empty garden bed or one with perennials.

 

When using tops for mulching, be aware that you shouldn't use plants that have seeds, otherwise, a huge number of annoying and unwanted weeds will appear. Also, keep in mind that pine needles can increase soil acidity, so exercise caution when mulching.

Experienced gardeners often use green manure plants, which improve soil structure, disinfect it, and kill weeds. These plants include oats, legumes, mustard, and many others. These "helpers" are usually planted in late summer or early fall to allow the green mass to develop before frost.

 

Don't forget about specialized products that help break down organic waste as quickly as possible. These include effective microorganisms that help quickly break down plant roots or tops.

 

It's also important to note that if the soil is heavy or clayey, it's essential to add organic fertilizers, such as ash or sand. This will improve looseness and improve water permeability. Sandy soil, on the other hand, is known to retain moisture poorly, which can be detrimental to plants. Therefore, it's necessary to add either well-ripened compost or wood chips.

 

Undoubtedly, proper soil preparation plays a major role in yield and quality. Digging the soil in the fall eliminates most weeds during the winter, when the topsoil is exposed to low temperatures. Therefore, many gardeners recommend tilling the soil in the fall, as proper soil preparation is key to high yields.

 

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