Planting asters in autumn before winter: when and how to sow correctly and is it possible

Flowering plants are in demand among gardeners. Plant an aster in the fall, before winter, everyone can. But with one condition, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners. Otherwise, the seeds may simply not sprout.

Why sow asters in autumn before winter - advantages and disadvantages

Planting asters before winter has a number of advantages and one minor drawback.

Pros:

• strong immunity to diseases;
• plant hardening;
• flowering period shifted 2-3 weeks earlier;
• no need to grow seedlings;
• flowers are resistant to temperature changes.

Minus:

• high consumption of planting material, some seeds cannot germinate.

Planting seeds in autumn has many advantages. Therefore, gardeners often resort to this method of growing asters. This makes it easier to cultivate flowers in the spring.

Which aster seeds are suitable

Flower growers recommend planting varieties adapted to growing in this way. The pompon types of asters are more commonly used. Planting material of their own assembly is also sown. Seeds for planting before winter should be fresh. In the 2-3rd year, germination in the spring is quite poor.

An important condition for planting before winter is to strictly follow the instructions of experienced growers.

Podzimny planting dates

The seeds are planted in the ground at different times, the period depends on the region in which the gardener lives:

• In the suburbs they sow in late October and early November.
• In the Urals and Siberia, landing is planned for late September, early October.
• But south in November.

When choosing the date for planting aster seeds in open ground, the weather forecast is taken into account. It is advisable to plan a landing when frosty weather sets in. During the thaw, the seeds germinate and then freeze. In the spring they do not sprout at all. Therefore, when to sow seeds, the summer resident decides for himself.

Stages of winter landing of asters

The recommendations of experienced gardeners are strictly followed. Otherwise, the summer resident runs the risk of being left without seeds and flowers.

Preparing the site and soil

It is advisable to choose a site where the asters will be illuminated by the sun for most of the day.

Then the selected area is dug up, adding the following components:

• peat;
• superphosphate;
• urea;
• potassium;
• wood ash;
• river sand.

The soil is dug up to a depth of 25 cm, grooves are immediately formed and the bed is covered before the onset of stable cold weather.

Earth for backfilling grooves is collected in advance. Cleaned in a dry place, the structure should be crumbly. Because in the spring, when the sprouts begin to break through, the crust over the bed will not germinate.

Sowing

Planting with seeds is carried out within the allotted time, depending on the region of residence of the grower. Planting material is laid out along the grooves, sprinkled with prepared soil.The planting depth is 2-2.5 m. It is necessary to sow asters in the winter correctly. Seeds are planted frequently. In the spring, after the emergence of seedlings, the seedlings are thinned out. Excess planting material is not thrown away. It is used for landing elsewhere.

Shelter for the winter

Plantings are covered with polyethylene, pressed down along the edges and left until the onset of a thaw in the spring. Then the shelter is removed and laid with dry plant residues. They are not removed until the onset of consistently warm weather.

Preparing perennial flowers for wintering

If there are perennial members of the family in the garden, do not forget about their preparation for the winter period. If everything is done correctly, the plants will delight you with abundant flowering next year.

How to crop

Summer residents are wondering if perennial asters can be pruned. Experienced flower growers are advised to carry out pruning.It is necessary to wait until the stems dry. Most often this happens after the first hard frost. Then cut them at a height of 2-5 cm from the ground. Sawdust is covered with sawdust varieties that do not tolerate frost, as well as young bushes.

Fertilizers

An important step in preparing plants for winter is top dressing. Before wintering, the plant gains more nutrients from the soil. It is necessary to apply organic or complex fertilizer. Florists recommend feeding perennial asters with wood ash. 0.2-0.3 kg of the substance is distributed around the plants, then the soil is loosened.

Proper breeding practices before winter

Propagate perennial asters in different ways. It is difficult to determine the correct method. Each summer resident chooses a method that is convenient and simple for him. It is necessary to plant plants, observing the deadlines, so as not to destroy, but to propagate them.

Dividing the bush

An easy way, an adult plant is dug up and divided into several parts. In one bush should remain 3-5 shoots. The root system of the divided parts of an adult plant must be strong. Perennial asters are planted about a month before the onset of cold weather. Bushes have time to take root during this period. An important condition is watering and feeding immature plants.

Water as the top layer dries. Feed with a weak solution of mullein, approximately 15-20 days after transplantation.

Planting with seeds

Planting material is purchased in a store or collected independently. The collected seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. But it is better to use fresh planting material, as plants need a lot of strength and energy to plant before winter.

Seeds perennial aster are propagated in the same way as annual. Furrows are prepared in advance, and sown in frozen ground. Then cover with polyethylene and leave until spring.

Shanks

Reproduction in this way is more suitable for summer. But some summer residents plant this method in the fall. The cuttings are cut into 40-45 cm, the lower cut is made at an angle of 45⁰. They dig into the ground and wait for the cuttings to give roots. Then the roots are mulched and left until spring.

Spring Care

When the snow melts, if a film was used, it is removed. Some summer residents advise covering with plant debris, some do not.

Seedlings that will start to break out of the ground need an abundance of sunlight. The gardener has the right to decide for himself what to do. If the plantings are not covered, then the grower needs to follow the weather forecast. During frost, cover the sprouts so that they are not beaten by frost.

When stable warm weather is established, seedlings are thinned out. Since the seeds are planted thicker than during spring planting, be sure to remove the extra ones.

Thinned flowers will grow faster. They will form a strong root system, a guarantee of a well-developed aerial part and abundant flowering. Water the sprouts as needed. Not forgetting that the aster does not like excess moisture. They start to rot. But the soil should not dry out either. Humidity levels need to be monitored. Soil is loosened to conserve moisture. In addition, it reduces the number of weeds, which also interfere with the proper development of plants.

Treatment for diseases

Astra, like other plants, is often attacked by viruses and fungi. Compliance with agricultural practices significantly reduces the risk of diseases in plants.

When signs of disease appear, it is necessary to immediately treat with special preparations. Buy them in stores. Summer residents treat asters with chemistry without fear, as it has an effective effect and relieves diseases for a long time.

Chemical preparations are used with caution if fruit and vegetable crops grow nearby. Especially if spraying is carried out. Compliance with planting requirements helps prevent disease.

Feeding

Young immature plants require fertilization. It is important to remember that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed.

Spring is brought into the ground:

• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• nitrogen.

Organics do not need to be applied, as it is added in sufficient quantities when the beds are formed in the fall. Planting asters before winter helps many gardeners. The implementation of the recommendations and techniques of agricultural technology will allow you to get a blooming flower bed a few weeks ahead of schedule.

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