Autumn in Spain is not the same everywhere. While it is already raining heavily in Galicia and temperatures are dropping rapidly, the change of season is barely noticeable in the Canary Islands. Knowing the climate in your area is key to knowing exactly what your plants need at this time of year.
In this guide, we review essential autumn care tips organized by climate type, so you can apply them directly to your garden or terrace.
🌧️ Atlantic climate: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country
Abundant rainfall and mild temperatures are the norm in autumn. The main risk is not the cold, but excess moisture and fungi.
- Reduce watering almost completely: rain will be sufficient in most cases. Ensure your pots have good drainage.
- Preventive pruning: remove branches that are diseased or show signs of fungus before they spread with the humidity.
- Recommended plants for now: camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and ferns thrive in this climate.
- Watch out for snails and slugs: they multiply with autumn humidity. Use physical barriers or specific products.
- Fertilize with compost: the rain helps the organic fertilizer integrate well into the soil.
🌿 Continental climate: Castile, Aragon, La Rioja, and inland Madrid
Autumns are dry and the temperature fluctuations between day and night are sharp. Frosts can arrive sooner than expected.
- Water with moderation but do not abandon it: the soil dries out more than in the north, especially if it doesn't rain.
- Protect cold-sensitive plants: bougainvillea, jasmine, and tropical plants should be moved indoors or covered before the first frosts (they can arrive in October in inland areas).
- Plant spring bulbs: tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The cold winter soil is exactly what they need to bloom well in March.
- Mow the lawn lower: with frosts, tall grass can rot. Cut it to about 4-5 cm before the cold arrives.
- Mulch the soil: a layer of pine bark or compost protects roots from sharp temperature changes.
☀️ Mediterranean climate: Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, Balearic Islands, and the coastal Andalusia
The Mediterranean autumn is the most rewarding for the garden. Temperatures drop gently, rain may appear in the form of an intense DANA (isolated high-altitude depression), and plants remain active.
- It is the best time for transplanting: the soil retains some heat, and roots adapt without the stress of summer or the cold of winter.
- Reduce watering gradually: wait until the first 3 cm of the substrate are dry before watering.
- Prune lavender, rosemary, and thyme: after summer is the ideal time to shape them and stimulate new growth.
- Fertilize lemon and orange trees: a potassium-rich fertilizer now improves the quality and color of the citrus fruit.
- Plant new aromatics: sage, santolina, teucrium, and pittosporum establish very well in a Mediterranean autumn.
🌵 Arid and semi-arid climate: Almeria, inland Murcia, and areas of the southeast
Autumn can bring sporadic torrential rains or remain very dry. Drought-adapted plants are the protagonists here.
- Take advantage of any rain to plant: it is the perfect window to establish xerophytic plants like oleander, callistemon, or pittosporum.
- Do not over-fertilize: in poor and dry soils, excess nitrogen can do more harm than good. Opt for mature compost in small amounts.
- Check the drip irrigation system: clean the drippers and verify there are no obstructions before the rainy season.
- Watch out for sudden rains: ensure your pots drain well to avoid waterlogging after heavy downpours.
🏔️ Mountain climate: Pyrenees, Central System, Sierra Nevada, and high-altitude areas
Autumn is short and frosts arrive early, sometimes as early as September. Preparation for winter must begin sooner.
- Bring in everything that cannot withstand frost: tropical plants, geraniums, bougainvillea, and begonias must be inside before October.
- Plant deciduous trees and shrubs: autumn is ideal for planting oaks, maples, cherry trees, and other deciduous species that need cold to develop properly.
- Protect roots with thick mulch: a 10 cm layer of straw or bark can make the difference for sensitive plants.
- Stop fertilizing: plants need to enter dormancy. Fertilizer now would stimulate tender shoots that would be killed by frost.
🌴 Subtropical climate: Canary Islands and subtropical areas of the southern coast
In the Canary Islands, autumn hardly exists as such. Temperatures remain warm and many plants remain in full activity.
- Continue with usual care: watering does not vary much compared to summer, although it can be reduced slightly.
- Take the opportunity to plant tropicals: heliconias, bird of paradise, banana trees, and other tropical plants establish well in a Canarian autumn.
- Watch out for trade winds: they can dry out plants quickly. Check the substrate moisture level regularly.
- Fertilize in a balanced way: since there is no real winter dormancy, plants continue to need nutrients. A balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks is sufficient.
Don't know exactly what your garden needs this autumn?
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