Autumn Planting Guide: Why fall is the perfect time to plant your garden!
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
Hello, fellow green-thumbs. It's Garden Ninja here, your trusty guide to all things gardening. Today, I'm here to revolutionize your gardening calendar by extolling the wonders of autumn planting over the traditional spring or summer sowing. There are so many benefits to planting up a garden in autumn and often new gardeners think they can only plant in spring and summer. How wrong that is!
Did you know that planting in autumn makes gardening far easier and you've got a higher chance of success? This article is going to show you why you should consider leaving your planting until autumn to get the most out of your garden with the least effort.
Let's firstly take a snapshot look at why planting at the end of the growing season in autumn is sometimes more beneficial than in spring time.
The quick answer is yes you can plant in autumn! In fact it's on of the most fuss free and fool proof ways to plant up your gardens and flower beds.
Picture this: the days begin to shorten, the summer sun mellows and the air carries a crisp freshness. This magical time isn’t just about cosying up with a hot cuppa; it's a golden opportunity for your garden to shine. You see, while many folks pack away their spades trowels and assume planting season ends with summer, I'm here to champion the unsung hero – autumn.
There are a few exceptions to the autumn planting rules. Usually you don't want to plant any container grown annual plants (those that live for one season only then die) as they chances are they will not survive the frost. You can however direct sow some annual seeds in late autumn like sweet peas that need a long germination window.
The other no-no is tropical plants. Always plant these and tender plants in spring after the frosts and make sure you fleece or protect them through the winter or even consider bringing them in under glass so they survive.
Now lets reveal the benefits of planting a garden in autumn!
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of why autumn is the pinnacle of planting seasons. The soil is still warm from summer, but the air is cooling down. This sweet spot is a perfect breeding ground for robust root development.
Unlike summer, when plants are focused on survival and top growth, autumn is all about getting down and dirty – literally. The soil is warm enough to promote root growth without the stress of scorching temperatures, allowing plants to establish a strong root system before winter sets in. With established plants, you need to water them less and can let them settle in during the quieter time of year. No need to be on life support whilst their roots find their own way. Autumn's soil is still warm and relatively moist, making it a perfect environment for newly planted specimens to root easily.
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Planting in autumn is like setting the stage for a grand spring performance. When you tuck those perennials, shrubs, and trees into their cosy autumn bed, you're giving them a head start on spring. Meaning you will get bigger, more established plants next spring that fill out far quicker than waiting until the following year.
Come next year, these well-established plants will burst forth with new growth, giving you a garden that's way ahead of the curve.
Autumn is nature's way of giving your plants a helping hand. The rain showers make regular appearances, taking the chore of watering off your to-do list. Plants can sip and slurp to their hearts' content, making the most of the natural moisture without relying heavily on your garden hose. Plus, cooler temperatures mean less evaporation, keeping that moisture locked in for your garden's benefit.
As the soils usually quite damp at this time of year it makes transplanting your new plants a breeze. Other than the occasional top up in warmer autumns, planting at this time of year is far better for the environment with less water usage.
Autumn isn't just a treat for plants; it's a boon for your soil, too. This is the season when the ground is alive with earthworms, beneficial bacteria, and fungi working in harmony. As you plant, these underground champions work their magic, breaking down organic matter and enriching your soil. Planting in autumn gives your garden's soil the time it needs to replenish and rejuvenate, ensuring a fertile ground for your green beauties.
By planting in autumn before frosts, all of these helpful bacteria and fungi can promote healthy root growth with your new plants. So when spring comes, they already have a network of beneficial 'underground friends' to assist them to perform for you!
Autumn is the best time to edit and tweak your garden with clarity. Editing your garden in autumn is a good way to take stock of what worked this year and where there are gaps in your garden. As the vibrant colours of summer start to mellow, it's the ideal time to prune, tidy, and shape your garden. Trimming unruly branches on deciduous shrubs and trees, and preparing your plants for the colder months is a nurturing act that sets the stage for a remarkable garden next year.
With the cooler temperatures and plants slowing down, you can stand back and then add additional plants into the borders when they are at their calmest, rather than fighting your way through mid-summer plants and damaging them.
The selection of plants available in autumn is like finding hidden treasures. Nurseries are stocked with a diverse range of bare root plants, and the best part? Prices are often lower as nurseries clear their stocks before winter, and bare root specimens are a fraction of the price of container-grown shrubs.
You have a broader palette of choices, from perennials to trees, shrubs, and bulbs, giving you the freedom to create a dynamic, multi-seasonal garden.
Bareroots may not look as alluring as container plants, but they are usually 1/3 of the price and need far less care. As they are easier for nurseries to transport, you can find a far greater selection of plant choices, sizes and specimens for your garden.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on your autumn planting adventure? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you make the most of this golden season.
First things first, take a good look at your garden. Identify areas that need a pop of colour or spots that could use a little extra greenery or have gaps. Think about the types of plants that will thrive in different parts of your garden – sunny spots, shady corners, or waterlogged areas. (If you haven't already read this guide on how to plant a flower bed)
Now for the fun part – plant selection! Visit your local nursery or browse online for a diverse array of plants that suit your garden's needs. Aim for a mix of evergreens for structure, shrubs for punctuation, trees for height, perennials for colour, and bulbs for a surprise spring show.
When it comes to planting, you want to dig a hole 1.5x the size of the pot or bare root that the plant comes in. Loosen the soil and prepare to get the plant in straight away. You don't need to add compost or plant feeds at this point, as the garden is slowing down. It's just a waste of money and resources!
Once you've got your plant selections, it's time to get your hands dirty. With your planting hole dug, ease the roots apart, and place your plant roots down into the hole with the level of the soil that the plant came in matching the ground level. For bare roots, always check that the rootstock or graft is above the ground and don't over-bury them. Firm in with the heel of your foot.
Spread a thick layer of mulch around your newly planted friends. Mulch helps retain moisture, protects against temperature fluctuations, and slow feeds your new plants. Keep an eye on your new plants during their settling-in period, and if they look dry, give them a quick water.
Autumn is not the time to hang up your gardening hat; it's the season to roll up your sleeves and take your garden to the next level by making the most of autumn planting. Plants are easier to establish, cheaper to buy, and it's far easier to see where to place them than in the madness of midsummer.
So, what's stopping you from breaking the trend and going with the autumnal flow in the garden? Embrace the wonders of autumn planting and revel in the beautiful, thriving garden you’ll create.
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Happy gardening!
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