WITH TAMMY FALLOON OF ST BRIDGET NURSERIES
Gardening column for Nov 28 by Tammy Falloon from St Bridget Nurseries & Garden Centres ExeterMOST of us tend to go gardening crazy in the spring when garden centres are bursting with colour and inspiration but did you know that planting in autumn gives a real growth advantage over plants bought in the spring?
Even though it is possible to plant successfully all year round, biologically the autumn is king of the planting seasons. Around the periphery of each plant's main roots is a complex system of fine root hairs essential in the uptake of nutrients and water. If you plant in autumn they spread and establish themselves in the warm soil. When air temperatures then rise in spring, the plant is ready to start absorbing food and water immediately, resulting in stronger growth.
Autumn soils are also easier to work with (softer and not too dry) even if you have a clay soil they will be less wet and heavy to work with now than they will be after winter. Even if the air is getting cooler the soil temperature is slower to drop now whereas in spring the opposite applies – the soil temperature lags behind.
As if this wasn't benefit enough, planting in autumn is also likely to reduce water stress as winter rains will ensure they are better watered in than the use of a can or hose. Give it a go - plant now and see the difference in spring.
Nurseries who grow their own plants (like St Bridget Nurseries in Exeter) know that autumn is best which is why they also dig and sell plants from their open ground fields. St Bridget Nurseries sell trees, roses and some large shrubs; bare rooted at this time of year. This means you buy the plant without a container and soil. This means it is cheaper for you to buy.
If you buy plants like this you should soak the roots and plant as soon as you can. Always dig a generous hole and loosen the soil at the bottom so roots can easily penetrate. Try to plant at the same depth it was on the nursery (look for a dark stain at the bottom of the stem) as this will help the plant establish. Firm the soil down around your new plants but don't trample too hard as it will push the air out of the soil.
