Autumn is the secret season for planting across Hampshire and Dorset. Soil temperatures are still warm from summer, rainfall becomes reliable again and there is an entire winter ahead for root systems to develop before spring growth begins. Plants put in now establish faster and more reliably than the same plants put in during spring.
What to Plant in Autumn
The range of plants suitable for autumn planting in Hampshire is extensive — almost anything that is not frost-tender can go in the ground from September to November.
- Trees and shrubs: October to March is the prime planting season
- Roses: bare-root planting from November is the professional's choice
- Hedging: bare-root plants from November, pot-grown from September
- Hardy perennials: September to October, well before first frosts
- Spring bulbs: daffodils and alliums from September, tulips from November
- Grass seed: September is the best month for new lawns from seed
The Advantages of Autumn Planting
Plants established in autumn have a head start over spring-planted equivalents. Their roots grow through winter, even when top growth is dormant, creating a stronger plant that handles the following summer much better. Autumn-planted trees and shrubs typically establish a full season faster than spring plantings.
Aftercare
Autumn planting requires less watering than spring or summer — the challenge is the opposite in a wet autumn. Ensure new plantings in heavy clay soils are not sitting in standing water. Check and re-firm newly planted trees and shrubs after any heavy frost.
A&T Landscapes plants trees, shrubs, hedges and borders across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire throughout the autumn season. Call 07735 916029.