Autumn gardening tips
Summer is almost at an end and the last thing most gardeners are thinking about is what their garden will look like in six months time.
However, September until November and the best time to plant bulbs while the soil is still warm and gives plants time to develop while establishing roots before winter arrives.
Any gardener who wishes to save themselves some work next year will have many vibrant and colourful flowers popping up in spring if they begin planting now.
Bulb plants tend to be some of the easiest flowers to grow while still being very rewarding, as it will encourage pollinators to arrive in their garden early and give them a head start when it comes to springtime gardening.
Most bulb flowers are best planted with their shoot facing upwards and should be planted at around two to three times their depth. They are best planted in large groups for a better-flowing display, and here are some of the most beautiful blooms that can be planted right now.
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Hyacinths
Hyacinths are very fragrant flowers that will add a burst of colour to gardens as they come in a range of colours such as purple, blue pink and yellow.
Hyacinth seeds spread easily so if you don’t wish for them to spread in your garden it is best to plant them in a pot or window box, otherwise they will prefer an area where they can get direct sunlight and do not like being in the shade.
Andrew Gaumond, a botanist and director of content at Petal Republic has said hyacinths should be planted about a month before the first frost and should always be planted away from water or anywhere water may poll down to. He said: “It’s helpful to plant them near sidewalks or in front of garden beds so you can see them.”
Daffodils
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Daffodils are classic springtime flowers which will brighten up any garden and are very simple to grow, making them a prized plant for any gardener. They are best planted in a space in your garden where it can get the full afternoon sun or in the light shade, like underneath a tree, on the borders of a garden, in pots or on your lawn.
Brook Klausing, landscape architect and founder of Brook Landscape, has said that daffodils are best planted in autumn around two to four weeks before the first frost. She said: “The larger the bulb the better, and make sure it is at least 3 inches below ground, daffodils contain something called oxalic acid—a substance that makes them unpalatable to most rodent pests.”
Tulips
These pastel flowers are known to be very simple to grow and can thrive in cold weather, making them a great addition to any autumn garden. Tulips enjoy being in well-drained soil with direct sunlight but may tolerate some shade.
Once planted, tulips will need a lot of watering to help them grow but it gardeners should also be mindful that overwatering can cause disease or mould to spread. Chad Husby, the chief explorer at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, said: “Excess water often causes rotting, In cold climates, this can be done in the ground or in an outdoor storage area.
“In hotter climates (like zones 8 to 10), they should be refrigerated for three months before planting.”
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Bluebells
Bluebells are beloved wildflowers that are well-known to grow in woodlands, so not only will they add a splash of deep blue colour to a garden but they will also give pollinators like bees an early source of food next year.
The best place to plant bluebells is under partial shade for the best results, and are well-suited for growing underneath trees. They will thrive best if planted with mulch in order to mimic the dead leaves that would be found on the grounds of a forest.
Alliums
Allium flowers bloom late in spring and early summer, making them a great plant to signal the start of warmer temperatures next year. They are known to bloom mostly in deep shades of purple or white and are excellent pollinators for bees. They can be quite big flowers so this should be considered before planting
Christina Matthews, urban flower farmer-florist and owner of The Flower Lady has said they should be best planted in the autumn in the direct sun. She said: “Alliums are related to the onion family, love full sun, [and] well-draining soil.”
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