What To Plant In My Garden This Autumn

While autumn settles in and the leaves around us start their annual transformation, it’s time to think about a new season of planting. Despite the temperature change, autumn is a great time to get plants into the ground. The soil is still warm from summer, giving roots time to establish before winter arrives. Whether you’re planting spring bulbs, hardy vegetables, or preparing your terracotta pots for winter blooms, there's plenty you can sow and grow to ensure a flourishing garden come spring.

Plant spring bulbs for a colourful display

One of the most rewarding tasks you can undertake in autumn is planting spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, and tulips should be planted now to give them time to establish roots before the first frost. Daffodils like bring plenty of cheerful yellow blooms in early spring, while alliums and crocuses are perfect for filling in borders with striking colour.

Terracotta planters are a great choice for your spring bulbs, providing plenty of insulation to keep the soil warm during the cooler months. Arrange them in clusters around the garden or place them on your patio for an early burst of colour once spring arrives. Just make sure your planters have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Hardy perennials and bedding plants

Autumn is also the perfect time to plant out any hardy perennials or biennials you’ve grown from seed earlier in the year. Plants like wallflowers, primulas, and pansies can be added to borders or containers for a fresh winter display. These resilient plants will continue to grow through the colder months, providing colour and life when much of the garden is dormant.

If you’re using large terracotta pots, ensure they’re raised on pot feet to allow excess water to drain away. This will prevent frost damage as water expands in freezing temperatures. Terracotta is a beautiful and durable option for planting hardy perennials, as it complements the natural look of any garden and weathers beautifully over time.

Autumn vegetables for the winter table

For those who grow their own produce, autumn offers a chance to sow a range of hardy vegetables that will see you through the winter. Winter lettuces can be sown directly into the soil, while hardy crops like broad beans and peas will grow through the winter for harvesting early next spring. Garlic and onion sets should also be planted now for a delicious harvest next year.

If you're short on space in your vegetable patch, plain terracotta pots are an excellent option for growing winter lettuces and herbs. Their natural breathability helps prevent waterlogged roots, and the earthy tones of the pots add a rustic charm to any garden. Herbs like chives and parsley can be grown on windowsills in smaller terracotta planters, providing fresh flavours throughout the colder months.

Planting fruit trees and shrubs

Autumn is also the ideal time to plant bare-root fruit trees and shrubs. The cooler temperatures allow the roots to settle without the stress of summer heat. Varieties like apples, plums, and blueberries can be planted now, giving them time to establish before the growth spurt of spring. Blueberries, in particular, thrive in pots filled with acidic compost, making terracotta planters an ideal choice for this fruit.

When planting fruit trees in the garden, be sure to choose a well-drained spot, as standing water can damage young roots. For smaller gardens, dwarf fruit trees in terracotta pots provide an excellent solution, allowing you to move the trees to sunnier or more sheltered spots as needed.

Winter care for terracotta pots

As beautiful as terracotta pots are, it’s important to ensure they’re winter-ready before the colder weather sets in. Terracotta is naturally porous, meaning it can absorb water, which can freeze and cause cracks in the pot. To prevent this, elevate your pots with feet or risers to keep them clear of any frozen ground. This allows water to drain freely and prevents the pot from sitting in water, which can lead to frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to wrap your pots in a protective layer like winter fleece or hessian if particularly harsh frosts are forecasted. This will help shield both the terracotta and the plant’s root systems from the worst of the cold. Avoid watering your plants just before a deep frost and keep an eye out for snow collecting inside or around the base of the pots. Clearing away any ice or snow can help prevent potential cracking.

How can we help?

Autumn is the perfect season to prepare your garden for next year, whether that’s planting spring-flowering bulbs, hardy perennials, or winter vegetables. Take advantage of the warm soil and give your plants the best possible start by planting now. Using terracotta planters will enhance the look of your garden as well as provide excellent growing conditions for many types of plants, thanks to their breathable nature and insulating properties.

With a bit of planning and the right care for your pots and plants, your garden will thrive well into the winter and burst back into life come spring. So embrace the changing season and get planting—your garden will thank you for it.

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