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So you thought that the planting season was over? Think again, says Sarah Squire
I have a horticultural hobby horse: spreading the word that autumn is the best time to plant. Our ancestors knew this very well. Sadly, however, that ancient knowledge has subsequently been mislaid, forgotten, buried in the mists of time.
Last year the Royal Horticultural Society carried out some research. It revealed that only 12% of gardeners believe that autumn is the best time to plant, as against 77% who extol the virtues of spring. Both seasons, in fact, offer much for the planter, but it’s autumn that has the edge.
Why now?
It’s the soil that holds the key. At this time of year the earth is still warm, giving new plants a chance to become established. Consequently, they are better placed to flourish in the spring, when everything bursts into growth, while their root systems will cope more readily with any dry spells that may occur in the summer.
Put simply, autumn planted subjects are, in my experience, less likely to fail and much more likely to thrive. Furthermore, although you need to water the plants in well – and keep them watered – the winter rains will save you a lot of effort.
What to plant
New season’s roses come into the garden centres in October, fresh from the nursery. My favourites are Gertrude Jekyll – a wonderfully scented large shrub rose with deep pink flowers which is very disease resistant – and The Fairy, which flowers late but carries on until the first frost. With its pale pink blooms, this is a smaller shrub rose but, once again, highly resistant.
Trees and shrubs are also perfect for autumn planting. My favourites from the Squire’s range include Skimmia Rubella, which boasts beautiful deep red buds at this time of year; Skimmia Reevsiana, with an array of red berries, perfect for the birds; and Viburnam Tinus, which gives delightful evergreen white and pink flowers.
Herbaceous perennials are a good bet too – by the spring they will be so firmly established as to perform like a larger plant that has been in the garden for years. Finally, you can also lay turf and, later in the season, plant soft fruit and fruit trees.
How to plant
For trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, start by watering thoroughly the plant in its pot. Then dig your planting hole so that it is larger than the pot, adding some compost and general fertiliser to the bottom. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, firm in and water well.
Don’t forget the bulbs
If you plant nothing else this autumn, do find space for some bulbs. There are so many great varieties available – from daffodils, crocus and tulips to allium, iris, fritillaria and anemone. Such is their versatility that they can be grown in pots and containers, naturalised in grass or planted in borders amongst other plants for a splash of spring colour. Try tulips Queen of the Night – a dark purple, almost black flower – and Red Riding Hood, a reliable grower with red flowers and beautifully marked leaves, ideal for pots and rockeries.
Choose carefully and you can have a succession of bulbs in flower from February to May. The key is to plant them deeply enough, so ensure that you follow the details on the packets.
Plant now for a healthy and vibrant garden next year.
For more information visit squiresgardencentres.co.uk
