After harvest, don't leave beds empty: Here's how to preserve soil until autumn

After the summer harvest, gardeners should not leave their beds empty. Experts advise preparing these beds for autumn to protect the soil from diseases and weeds, ensuring its quality is maintained throughout the season.

A key recommendation is to sow cover crops, also known as green manure. Plants such as oats, white mustard, and phacelia are effective. These crops help preserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and enrich the soil with necessary organic matter, creating better conditions for the next growing season.

Protecting the soil surface from high summer temperatures is also crucial. Applying mulch layers of straw, hay, or mown grass can help retain moisture and shield the soil from excessive heat and weeds.

Late summer is also an opportune time for planting strawberries. By autumn, they will have developed strong roots, promising a better yield in the following year. This period is also suitable for propagating certain perennials, such as lavender and rosemary, by transplanting cuttings into pots. Once rooted, they can be moved to the garden in spring.

Additionally, it is the right time to collect seeds from the healthiest and most productive plants. Experts emphasize collecting seeds during dry weather, drying them thoroughly, and storing them in paper envelopes or jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. These practices will help maintain soil quality and protect garden beds from the harsh summer conditions.