Even though winter is starting here in Central Europe, my garden is far from dormant. The crisp air and occasional frost haven’t kept me from reflecting on the work I did in autumn, setting the stage for the coming season. While the garden rests for now, it’s the perfect time to share some of the preparations I made to ensure a productive and beautiful year ahead.
Here’s a look back at what I worked on during the chilly autumn months:
1. Building a New Raised Bed
One of my favorite autumn projects was constructing a new raised bed. Raised beds are a fantastic way to improve soil drainage, extend the growing season, and keep everything neat and organized. With this addition, I’m already planning what to plant in the spring—leafy greens, root vegetables, or even some companion flowers for pest control.
2. Planting Black and Red Currant Bushes
Fruit bushes are a long-term investment, and this autumn, I planted five black currant bushes and one red currant bush. These hardy shrubs thrive in our region and will provide delicious, antioxidant-packed berries for years to come. I’m already imagining the jams, syrups, and desserts they’ll inspire!
3. Pruning Hazelnut Trees
Autumn is also a great time for pruning, so I took the opportunity to give my hazelnut trees a much-needed trim. By cutting them back, I’ve helped shape them into more compact forms, which will make harvesting easier and encourage better growth. The trees now look much tidier and healthier, ready to burst into life when spring arrives.
4. Mulching with Fallen Leaves
To protect and nourish my garden beds during the winter, I added a layer of mulch using fallen leaves. Mulching is such a simple yet powerful way to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and add organic matter as the leaves break down. It’s like tucking the garden in under a warm blanket for the cold season!
Reflections on Winter Gardening
Even though the garden is quiet now, the work done in autumn ensures that everything is set up for the new season. These small steps—planting, pruning, and preparing—are the foundation for a fruitful year ahead. Winter may be too cold to plant most crops, but it’s the perfect time to reflect, plan, and take care of long-term projects.
How’s your winter gardening coming along? Have you made any preparations for the spring, or are you taking a well-deserved break? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your garden journey!
Follow along for more seasonal gardening tips, slow-living inspiration, and stories from my garden in Central Europe. Together, we’ll make next year a bountiful one!
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