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Preparing Your Plants for Autumn: How to Do It Right!

Autumn is a special time for plant lovers and gardeners. The days get shorter, temperatures drop, and many plants slow down their growth. But even during this transition period, it’s essential to provide your plants with the right care and nutrients to help them thrive through autumn and winter. In this blog, we’ll share handy tips and tricks on how to lovingly prepare your plants for the coming season and what to watch out for.


Why Autumn Prep Matters

Plants go through different growth phases throughout the year. In spring and summer, they bloom beautifully, showing off vibrant colours. But in autumn, the landscape changes into a stunning display of golden and red leaves as plants begin to prepare for a resting phase by slowing down their metabolic processes to conserve energy. This is the perfect moment to ensure your plants are not only well-protected but also adequately nourished. High-quality fertilisers, like those from Hesi, can make a big difference. With balanced nutrients, your plants will be ready to endure the cold months ahead and bloom again next year.


Watering Your Plants the Right Way in Autumn

As temperatures fall, your plants will need less water. Overwatering can cause waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. Instead of continuing your summer watering routine, adjust the frequency. A pro tip: water in the morning to avoid moisture sitting overnight. This is particularly important for indoor plants, as heated rooms can drastically change humidity levels.


Prune Dead Plant Parts

Autumn is the perfect time to remove dead leaves, stems, and flowers. This not only saves the plant energy but also helps prevent diseases and pests. Regularly pruning your plants improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal infections. For balcony and garden plants, this step can make all the difference in keeping them healthy.


Mulching: The Ultimate Cold Protection

Mulching is a tried-and-true method to protect plants from cooler temperatures in autumn. A layer of mulch, leaves, or compost around the base of your plants helps shield the roots and maintain soil moisture. Whether in garden beds or pots on your balcony, mulching is an effective way to winter-proof your plants. As a bonus, organic mulch materials break down and enrich the soil with valuable nutrients.

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Fertilising in Autumn: What You Need to Know

Wondering if you should still fertilise in autumn? The answer is yes, but strategically! As the growing season winds down, plants need less nitrogen, which stimulates leaf growth. Instead, they need more potassium, which strengthens the roots and helps prepare the plant for winter.

Hesi offers fertilisers that are perfectly formulated for your plants' autumn needs. Our nutrients provide balanced nourishment and help avoid deficiencies that often cause yellow leaves. Plants that receive enough potassium and phosphorus in autumn are more resistant to frost and pests.



HESI Products for the Upcoming Autumn
There are many HESI products that you can use to prepare your plants for autumn. 

Root Complex is excellent for strengthening roots, giving your plants a solid foundation for the colder months. 

PowerZyme helps clean out roots by breaking down dead organic matter. 

Another must-have is PK 13/14, which is ideal for autumn plant care. At this time of year, plants need less nitrogen but more potassium and phosphorus to toughen up their roots and prepare for the cold. Potassium boosts cell strength and water absorption, improving frost protection. 

Phosphorus fortifies the roots, ensuring a quick and strong springtime growth burst. With Hesi PK 13/14, your plants will be ready for winter, with extra resilience to diseases and pests.

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Bring Sensitive Plants Indoors

Not all plants can handle the dropping autumn temperatures. Delicate indoor or balcony plants should be moved inside or to a greenhouse before night temperatures dip below 10°C. Tropical or Mediterranean varieties need extra care and should be gradually introduced to indoor conditions.
Make sure to check your plants' new location. They’ll need enough light as the days get shorter, so you might want to use a grow light to make up for the lack of daylight.

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Fighting Pests in Autumn

As your plants prepare for winter, pests like aphids and spider mites are on the hunt for new hiding spots. Indoor plants, especially those brought inside, are often more prone to pest infestations. Check your plants regularly for signs of pests and act quickly if you spot any.

Biological solutions like neem oil or plant sprays are great for controlling infestations. Preventive measures, such as wiping leaves or using yellow sticky traps, can also help keep pests at bay.



Planting New Plants for Autumn

Autumn isn’t just a time to prepare—it’s also a great season for planting. There are many hardy fall flowers, like chrysanthemums or asters, that will brighten up your garden or balcony. Veggies like kale, spinach, or lamb’s lettuce are also perfect for the season and can be harvested before winter.

Planting in autumn comes with its perks: the soil is still warm, encouraging root growth, and the increased moisture supports healthy plant development.

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Conclusion: Autumn Preparation Is Everything

The right preparation in autumn ensures that your plants will stay healthy and strong throughout winter. Whether it's protecting them with mulch, pruning dead parts, or optimising their nutrient supply—by taking the proper steps and using Hesi’s high-quality products, your plants will be well-equipped. Our specially formulated fertilisers cater to your plants' autumn needs, helping to prevent deficiencies and strengthen their roots.

Explore our Hesi products now to get your plants ready for the autumn season!





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