From 'Golden October' to First Frost: Preparing Your Garden for Winter

October is a crucial month for gardeners in Berlin and Brandenburg. It's the last chance to prepare the garden for the upcoming winter. With these tips, you can ensure your plants survive the cold season well.

The Most Important Tasks in October

• Final Harvest: Harvest the last heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers before the first frost. Green tomatoes can ripen indoors. Pumpkins and potatoes should be out of the ground by now.
• Frost Protection: Sensitive potted plants (e.g., oleander, citrus trees) must now be moved to their winter quarters. Cover sensitive perennials like roses with brushwood or leaves to protect the roots.
• Planting Flower Bulbs: Now is the perfect time to plant bulbs for tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, so you can enjoy a profusion of flowers in the spring.
• Raking Leaves: Remove leaves from the lawn to prevent rot. However, on flower beds, they can be left as a natural frost protection and fertilizer.

A quick look at the 10-day weather forecast will help you anticipate the first night frost and protect your plants in time.