As the Autumn breeze sets in and leaves begin to blanket the ground, there’s no reason for your garden to lose its charm. Autumn in the UK provides a unique opportunity for gardeners to extend their planting season and set the stage for a vibrant, blooming garden come spring.
Let’s delve deeper into what you can plant during this season, ensuring your garden remains a picturesque haven throughout the year.
Autumn Plants
Bulbs for Spring Blooms:
- Daffodils and Tulips: These quintessential spring flowers, planted in Autumn, promise a spectacular show of colours as winter gives way to spring.
- Crocuses: Delicate and early blooming, crocuses add pops of vivid hues, signalling the end of winter’s grip on your garden.
Perennials for Long-Term Beauty:
- Lavender: Planting lavender in Autumn ensures a hardy start for this fragrant perennial, providing your garden with aromatic charm for years.
- Heathers: With their evergreen foliage, heathers offer texture and colour even in the bleakest months, making Autumn the perfect time to introduce them to your garden.
Fruits and Berries:
- Raspberries and Blackberries: Autumn planting of these fruitful bushes means you can look forward to a delicious harvest in the summer to come.
- Gooseberries: Hardy and robust, gooseberries thrive in cooler weather, making them an ideal addition to your Autumn planting plans.
Vegetables for Autumn and Winter Harvest:
- Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in autumn, and you’ll be rewarded with a fragrant harvest in the following summer, perfect for culinary adventures.
- Winter Greens: Sow spinach, kale, and winter lettuce in Autumn, providing your kitchen with fresh, homegrown produce even on the coldest days.
Trees and Hedges:
- Root Ball Season: Autumn marks the start of root ball season for trees and hedges. Take advantage of this time to establish new woody additions to your garden.
Planting Advice
Prepare the Soil:
- Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with compost. Healthy soil provides a strong foundation for your plants to grow and thrive.
Watering and Mulching:
- Water newly planted areas thoroughly and apply a generous layer of mulch. Mulch not only conserves moisture but also protects plant roots from frost.
Protection from Frost:
- Be prepared to cover delicate plants with frost cloth or straw during exceptionally cold nights. Providing this extra layer of protection can make all the difference.
Regular Maintenance:
- Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases. Early detection and intervention can save your plants from potential harm.
Plan for Spring:
- Consider the eventual size and height of your plants, ensuring they won’t overshadow smaller companions once they reach maturity. Thoughtful planning ensures a harmonious garden layout.
By incorporating these tips and planting wisely this Autumn, your garden will continue to flourish, embracing the changing seasons with grace and beauty. With a little care and planning, your outdoor space will be a testament to nature’s resilience and your gardening expertise. Happy planting!
