It's planting time

Early Autumn is a great time to plant out new plants or move any that need repositioning. That makes this the perfect moment to sit outside and decide what you like or dislike about your planting, then treat yourself to a new plant or two.

It's not actually a crime to do away with plants that aren't happy in your garden or which take up space without offering much in return. In fact, where space is at a premium it's a really good idea. Pot them up and give them away if it makes you feel better, then think what would work better in the space. Would you like more lush leafy-ness, colour or scent? To attract more wildlife? Is your garden bare or dull at certain times of year? When/where do you use your garden most and want it to look it's best?

Why plant in Autumn?

Newly planted (or moved) plants are susceptible to 'stress' from heat, drought or cold. Planting or moving plants in September or October gives them time to enjoy warmth left in the soil from summer, along with moisture from autumn rain, without heatwaves, frosts or the need to flower. This allows plants to send out roots and get ready to burst into growth next spring, bigger, stronger and earlier.

Choosing the best plants for you

Once you have assessed the strengths and weaknesses of your planting, try using websites like Crocus, Gardeners World or Shoot to research plants that will do the job you need them to do. A bit of online research is a good way to avoid buying plants on the spur of the moment at the garden centre that won't thrive. Make sure they will suit your garden (soil, sun level, size) and think about season of interest (when they will be in leaf or flower). You can then order online or take a list with you if you don't want to miss out on the browsing (and coffee/cake) aspect of plant shopping.

What to plant now

Hardy Perennials

Available at any time of year in containers but for best results plant in Spring or Autumn. Don't plant anything now that says 'needs winter protection' as these tender plants won't survive a first winter outside.

Bulbs and corms

Add colour to borders and pots next spring and early summer with bulbs and corms. They take up little space and can be tucked in between or beneath other plants. As well as spring classics like daffodils and crocuses, shade loving woodland beauties like anemone blanda and anemone nemorosa are easy to grow. I love iris reticulata for pots and for early summer borders, I wouldn't be without alliums or gladiolus byzantinus. With a little planning you can have bulbs or corms in flower from February to June. Most bulbs can be planted at any time in autumn but wait until November to plant tulips to avoid tulip fire.

Shrubs & Trees

Plant shrubs or trees in containers at any time in autumn. You can also save money and choose from a wider range by planting bare root plants while 'dormant' from November to March. These are sold without soil - often by mail order. Planting bare root works particularly well for fruit trees, roses, hedges and anything you want to plant in quantity. Try specialist suppliers like Ashridge Trees.

Fruit

Autumn/winter is a great time to establish fruit bushes and trees. Strawberries can be bought now as runners (online, bare root, in a bag). This is a great way to save money if you are planting up a new strawberry bed and want quite a few plants. You don't need lots of space to grow fruit. There are plenty of dwarf trees and compact bushes suitable for pots. For suppliers try Pomona Fruits, Blackmoor or Ashridge Trees.

So, don't give up on your garden as the days get shorter. Get planting now and look forward to even better planting next year.

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