Autumn Planting: Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Plant

Autumn Planting: Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Plant

As summer draws to a close and the days become cooler, autumn might not be the first season that comes to mind when you think about planting. But for gardeners across the UK, autumn is actually one of the best times of year to plant trees, shrubs, hedges and many perennial plants.

With warm soil left over from summer and more regular rainfall, newly planted plants have the opportunity to establish their roots before winter arrives. By the time spring comes around, they are already settled in and ready to make the most of the warmer weather.

Why plant in autumn?

One of the biggest advantages of autumn planting is the soil. Although the air temperature is dropping, the ground is still relatively warm from the summer months. This encourages root growth while the plant is dormant or putting less energy into above-ground growth.

Autumn also tends to bring more rainfall, reducing the need for frequent watering compared with planting during the warmer, drier months. Cooler temperatures mean newly planted trees and shrubs are less likely to suffer from heat stress or lose excessive moisture through their leaves.

Planting in autumn also gives plants a head start. Rather than waiting until spring to establish their root systems, they can spend the autumn and winter developing roots, meaning they are better prepared for vigorous growth once spring arrives.

Create Fabulous Autumn Colour

Planting in autumn can ensure a fantastic late display. A walk through our shrub area at this time of year is a feast for the eyes, with its flaming reds, russets and golds. Here you will find a host of shrubs that bring wonderful autumn colours to your garden, from smaller shrubs like Euonymous alatus, with its fabulous deep reds and pinks to larger specimen trees such as Japanese Acer, Parrotia and Amelanchier.

Transplant Perennials

Autumn is also the best time to transplant herbaceous plants that need to be moved in your garden. Any plants that have outgrown their space or become congested can be moved or split while the soil is still warm. This will keep your plants healthy and happy and will help them to look their best next year.

Plant Your Bulbs

Now is the time to ensure a beautiful spring display by planting your bulbs. From springtime favourites, such as Daffodils and Tulips, to the more unusual blooms of Fritillaria and Erythronium, bulbs offer a cost-effective way to bring style, colour and beauty to your borders.

What can you plant in autumn?

Autumn is an excellent time to plant a wide range of garden plants, including:

• Trees – deciduous trees, fruit trees and many ornamental trees can be planted throughout autumn and winter when the ground is workable.
• Shrubs – from evergreen favourites to flowering deciduous varieties, autumn is ideal for establishing shrubs.
• Hedges – bare-root hedging becomes available later in the season, while container-grown hedging can be planted for a longer period.
• Perennials – many herbaceous perennials can be planted in autumn, giving their roots time to establish before spring.

Choosing the right time

Avoid planting when the ground is waterlogged, frozen or extremely cold. If the soil is workable and not excessively wet, planting can usually continue well into autumn and, depending on the plant and local conditions, through winter.

For deciduous trees and shrubs, the traditional planting season extends from autumn through to early spring, while plants grown in containers offer greater flexibility.

So, rather than putting the garden to bed as soon as summer ends, make the most of the autumn planting season. Whether you’re adding a new tree, creating a hedge, refreshing a border or planting a few new shrubs, a little preparation now can make a big difference when spring arrives.

So as the nights draw in and the temperature cools, dedicating a little time to your garden at this time of year can reap huge rewards. Just remember to wrap up warm!