At the tail end of autumn work in the Edible Forest starts to die down and we get into preparing the garden for winter. Our first focus is on cutting down any perennials in the garden and adding these to our compost heap, in time this compost will be returned to the garden as a part of the never ending cycle of a Permaculture property. In your garden this is a great time to follow our lead and cut back all of your perennial plants. Pick up any fallen fruit they may harbour pest or diseases to prevent them over wintering in fruit or plant material, if you suspect anything such as fruit fly etc. its best to completely destroy in a plastic bag or burning then put in the compost.
Remove invasive weeds
With the plants removed spend a little time in your garden removing any invasive weeds. We don’t have less weeds in the Edible Forest. But due to the way we have let the garden ramble we have lots of plants that act as a living mulch, supressing weeds like strawberries. Weeds removed are dropped (chop and drop) to return nutrients to the soil. Sometimes you will find your soil levels will drop over time or due to heavy rainfall. Now is a great time to top up your soil levels in the garden and improve what you already have with organic matter. Adding nutrients at this time of year means the additions have time to start breaking down, enriching and activating your soil. With the rain we have had this summer it is highly likely that your mulch has shifted and a lot will have been lost.
While it may appear that you garden has stopped over the cooler months there is so much going on beneath the soil that we can’t see. This is why it is important to layer your garden beds in at least 8cm of organic mulch. Not only will this protect the root system of trees and shrubs it will also keep the temperatures of your soil even throughout winter holding in the summer warmth. Mulching also has the added benefit of preventing weeds from overtaking your garden.
“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.”
During the cooler months you are going to be spending some time pruning larger trees and plants so now is a great opportunity to make sure your gardening tools are ready to use. Sometimes through the summer months we can neglect our tools while we are so busy harvesting. Give them a little love by cleaning your tools with a coarse wire brush and sandpaper to remove any dirt and rust spots from your tools. With a clean tool in hand grab an oily rang and wipe over all metal parts of the tools making sure to get into all the cracks and curves. Check over the wooden handles any tools you may have for splinters and cracks and rub these down with sandpaper. Once smooth again give them a coating of linseed oil to keep the tool fresh.
This preparation may take a little time and love. Perhaps may even feel a little mundane and non-rewarding but believe me if you take the time to nurture your garden now you will reaps the benefits in spring.
