Autumn planting

Many gardeners think of spring as the ideal planting season, but autumn offers its own unique advantages, too! Surprisingly, many people are unaware of the diverse range of plants that thrive when carefully planted in the autumn, even with the threat of harsh winter weather ahead. Certain perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and vegetables will flourish this time of the year, so don’t miss out!

In this article, we’ll explore why autumn is ideal for planting, assess the best types of plants for this season, and provide you with expert care tips for a successful planting experience throughout autumn.

Why is Autumn ideal for planting?

As the days shorten and the nights draw in, gardeners still have a great opportunity to inject some colour and life into their gardens during autumn. Autumn is a great time for planting because of the cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture, which create favourable growing conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of planting at this time of year:

• Soil warmth: soil remains warm following the summer heat, allowing roots to establish and grow quickly before the winter arrives.
• Moisture retention: In the UK, we unfortunately experience a lot of rain, but predictable autumn rainfall can reduce the need for frequent watering, helping plants settle easily!
• Less stress on plants: The cooling air temperatures reduce stress on new plants, helping to avoid damaging issues such as heat-related wilting.
• Extended root development: Plants have more time to develop strong roots in autumn, which helps them better withstand winter and emerge stronger in spring.
• Fewer pests: With many pests becoming less active as temperatures drop, plants are less likely to be damaged, allowing for healthier growth.

What are the best types of plants for Autumn planting?

Certain plants flourish during the autumn, as long as they are planted with care and consideration. Let's take a look at some of the autumn bedding plants which can thrive during September, October, and November…

Perennials

Many perennials excel when planted in autumn, taking advantage of the cooler, wetter conditions. Some of our top choices include:

• Asters: Part of the Daisy family, these beautiful little flowers often come in shades of purple, pink, and white, making them a popular choice for gardens and other attractive outdoor areas. Asters bloom well into autumn, adding some late-season colour.
• Japanese Anemones: Native to Asia but loved in the UK, these elegant flowers bloom in late summer through autumn, offering shades of pink, white, or lavender, perfect for shady or part-sun areas; the perfect example of an autumn flowering plant!
• Sedum: Also known as Stonecrop, Sedum is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in the autumn, as well as summer. Featuring clusters of starry flowers, Sedum provides some much-loved colour and attracts pollinators.
• Chrysanthemums: No list of autumn perennials is complete without Chrysanthemum! Offering a wide variety of colours and shapes, this hardy plant blooms late into September and October, bringing vibrant displays as other plants begin to fade.

Bulbs

There are many bulbs which are perfect for planting in autumn, preparing to bloom beautifully when spring arrives! Some of the bulbs to plant in autumn include:

• Daffodils: A springtime classic that is best planted in the autumn, Daffodils are easy to grow and come in shades of yellow, white, and orange. Officially known as Narcissus, Daffodils are instantly recognisable, making them a popular choice to plant this autumn.
• Tulips: Another flower synonymous with spring, Tulips are a popular option for gardens due to their wide variety of colours and elegant shapes. Planting these in the autumn allows them to develop strong roots during winter, blooming in late spring.
• Crocus: Crocuses are one of the first bulbs to bloom in early spring, adding pops of colour to any outdoor space with their purple, white, or yellow flowers. They are low-maintenance and thrive in autumn planting.
• Snowdrops: One of our personal favourites, Snowdrop bulbs are ideal for planting between September to November, ensuring strong root growth. These delicate white flowers often bloom in late winter to early spring, providing a refreshing sight after the cold months.

Shrubs and Trees

Establishing deep roots is important for shrubs and trees, and the moist soil in autumn provides an excellent time to do so. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Dogwood: Also known as Cornus, Dogwood is a great choice for autumn planting, since it struggles in extremely dry soil, favouring reliable moisture instead. Its vibrant foliage in the autumn and colourful stems in winter make it a garden favourite.
• Field Maple: Officially titled Acer Campestre, Field Maple is a sturdy broadleaf with a strong root system, which establishes well over the cooler months. Field Maple turns from green to golden yellow in autumn, ideal as a standalone feature for outdoor space.
• Silver Birch: Silver Birch is best known for its particularly beautiful, decorative bark, which is especially appreciated in the winter. They grow well in most soils, making them a good option for planting in the autumn - they can even handle occasional waterlogging!
• Smoke Bush: Also known as Cotinus, Smoke Bush is a shrub which favours the moist soil in the autumnal months. The “Royal Purple” variant is particularly loved for its deep plum purple leaves, which become more red as the year comes to a close.

Vegetables

For hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures, autumn stands out as the perfect opportunity to plant them! Try these popular vegetables for your autumnal vegetable patch:

• Kale: A standout choice for an easy-to-grow, hardy vegetable, kale thrives in autumn and can even improve in flavour after a frost! It's nutrient-rich and grows well throughout winter, producing leaves ready to add to a meal.
• Spinach: Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and grows quickly in autumn, lasting through winter. It can tolerate frost and continues to provide fresh, tender leaves for salads and cooking throughout the season.
• Carrots: When planted early in autumn and properly protected, you can enjoy carrots throughout the later months of autumn, and into the winter. Carrots can tolerate colder temperatures and enjoy moist soil, making them a great option for your autumn garden.
• Spring Onions: Spring onions excel during the autumn months, and since they grow fast (approx. 8 weeks), you don’t need to worry about any harsh winter weather looming, since you’ll be able to enjoy a plentiful beforehand.
• Cauliflower: Since autumn sees a reduction in pests, cauliflower is known to flourish at this time of year. Plant cauliflower seedlings at the beginning of September, and you’ll be able to enjoy this flavourful vegetable during the late autumn months.

Care tips for Autumn planting

To ensure successful autumn planting, especially with the cooler weather and approaching winter, it’s important to follow specific care tips that help your plants establish strong roots and thrive. Take a look at our essential care tips for a productive autumn:

• Enrich the soil: Before planting, work organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This will improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content, providing a healthy environment for new plants.
• Plant early in the season: Aim to plant early in autumn, before the first frost. This allows plants enough time to establish roots in the still-warm soil and get a strong start before winter sets in
• Proper planting depth: When planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, or vegetables, follow the recommended planting depth for each type of plant. Planting too shallow can expose roots to frost, while planting too deep may suffocate the roots.
• Mulching: After planting, add a layer of mulch (like bark, straw, or leaf mould) around the base of your plants. Mulching insulates the soil, helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and protects young plants from cold weather. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the plant stem to prevent rot.
• Allow for growth: When planting perennials, shrubs, or trees, make sure to space them appropriately. Autumn is a time when root systems will expand, so allow plenty of space for healthy development!
• Deadheading and pruning: Remove spent flowers and dead or damaged leaves to encourage strong growth and prevent disease. However, avoid heavy pruning as it can stress plants going into winter.
  
• Use frost covers: If frost is expected, cover young or tender plants with a horticultural fleece, cloche or an old sheet overnight, protecting them from cold damage. If you’re on a strict budget, why not try and make your own cloche from recycled objects?

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