As foliage transforms to brown and vegetation withers, numerous gardeners believe autumn has arrived prematurely. However, specialists caution this isn’t a seasonal transition, but rather a phenomenon termed “false autumn” – a frantic survival mechanism from trees and flora driven to breaking point by this summer’s unprecedented heat.
The Met Office confirms that severe conditions can prompt plants to act as though the season has altered, despite it still being officially summer. With astronomical autumn commencing on September 22, time is running short to undo the harm.
According to Liam Cleary, garden specialist at Old Railway Line Garden Centre: “If you don’t help your plants recover before colder weather sets in, the stress of false autumn could leave them too weak to survive the winter.”
This extends beyond a cosmetic concern, Liam explained. Weeks of soaring temperatures left earth parched and hardened, meaning even recent downpours haven’t managed to seep sufficiently deep to nourish roots. Without immediate intervention, gardens face prolonged deterioration.
The specialist’s three-stage garden salvation strategy
Liam advised three straightforward measures that gardeners ought to implement straight away:
1. Mulch hack – Apply bark or wood chips around plant bases to lock in moisture and restore the soil’s sponge-like texture.
2. Deep watering – Utilise a watering can or drip hose for slow, targeted watering to ensure moisture reaches the roots beneath the compacted surface.
3. Nutrient boost – Apply a liquid fertiliser to provide plants with the energy they require to recover and build strength before winter.
“False autumn isn’t a picturesque seasonal change,” Liam added. “It’s a warning sign that gardens are in distress. Acting now could be the difference between losing plants this winter or seeing them thrive next spring.”