What To Plant in Autumn
As the leaves start to fall and the air gets cool many gardeners are left wondering what to plant in their gardens in the autumn. Summer may be over but there’s still time to grow a great garden before the winter sets in. In this post we will look at the best plants to grow in autumn and some tips to help you make the most of your fall garden.
1. Cool Season Vegetables:
One of the best things to plant in the autumn is cool-season vegetables. These vegetables love cool temperatures and can tolerate light frosts so are perfect for autumn planting. Here are some cool season vegetables to plant in the fall:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Spinach
You can plant from seed or as transplants depending on your preference. Make sure to plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and keep them watered throughout the growing season.
2. Perennials:
Autumn is also a good time to plant perennials in your garden. Perennials are plants that come back year after year so are a great investment for your garden. Here are some perennials to plant in the autumn:
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Peonies
- Black-eyed Susans
- Sedum
Planting perennials in the autumn gives them time to establish their roots before the winter sets in so they will come back strong and healthy in the spring.
3. Bulbs:
Another option for autumn planting is bulbs. Bulbs are easy to plant and low maintenance so are a great choice for busy gardeners. Here are some bulbs to plant in the autumn:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Hyacinths
- Alliums
Plant bulbs in well-draining soil at the correct depth for the type of bulb you are planting. Water well after planting and mulch the area to protect them from the cold.
4. Annuals:
While many annuals are planted in spring, some can be planted in the autumn for a splash of colour in your garden. Here are some annuals to plant in the fall:
- Pansies
- Violas
- Ornamental cabbage and kale
- Snapdragons
- Calendula
These annuals can be planted from seed or as transplants and will give you a splash of colour in your garden throughout the fall and into winter.
5. Autumn Planting Tips:
- Before you plant anything in the autumn make sure to clean up your garden beds and remove any dead or dying plants.
- Add compost or other organic matter to your soil so your plants have what they need to grow.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells to help them establish their roots before winter.
- Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and protect from cold.
In summary, autumn is a good time to plant many things in your garden. Cool season vegetables, perennials, bulbs and annuals, there are plenty of choices for a beautiful fall garden. Follow these tips and plant the right things and you’ll have a garden full of goodies into the autumn. Happy planting!