Many people do not know the reason why autumn is a good time to plant in the garden - and that does not mean that it is the only time, but there are a few factors that should be considered.
Firstly, the weather is cooling down - the intense heat has gone and plants are no longer under stress.
We have all seen how plants wilt during hot weather despite the fact that they have been watered and then as it cools down we see them perking up again.
Autumn planting allows the plant roots to settle in and become established without having to battle against the heat.Moisture is retained in the soil and so less watering is required.
As autumn comes to an end and winter begins, plants have already established good root systems which will see them through winter and then they will burst into new growth when spring arrives.
This is very important when it comes to planting trees and shrubs.
In addition to this, autumn is the time to tidy up the garden - rake up fallen leaves for the compost heap.
Lightly prune any plants that are looking a bit straggly and mulch the garden beds so that the soil is protected for when the very cold weather arrives.
I think most keen gardeners enjoy autumn with its cooler weather - our energy levels are increased and we tackle all those gardening chores with a happy heart.
Autumn is a great time to plant hardy plants such as evergreens, roses and trees – my favourite include acers and euonymus. If you are after instant colour now, then a large chrysanthemum or aster will look stunning, or you could plant up a container with dainty violas, cyclamen and pansies.”
Plant a large chrysanthemum for instant autumn colour
Autumn is also the best time of year to plant bulbs, as they need to be chilled in the ground before they break dormancy and begin growing and blooming. Sarah Squire added: “Plant bulbs this autumn and you will be rewarded with the sight of beautiful daffodils, tulips or crocuses next spring. You can also plant fruit trees now such as raspberries and blackberries and you will have glorious blossom in springtime, and an abundance of fruit in the summer.”
5 Interesting Facts About Autumn
When does Autumn begin? Autumn is defined by the earth’s orbit around the sun, and it begins on the Equinox and Solstice, which is on 22ndSeptember this year. This is when day and night are both around 12 hours long. Equinox actually means “equal night” in Latin.
Autumn or Harvest? Until about 1500 Autumn was called “Harvest” in Britain. The full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox is known as a Harvest Moon. Before artificial lighting, such moonlight was essential to a farmer’s successful harvest.
Why do leaves change colour? One of the most stunning signs of Autumn is the leaves changing from green to a glorious orange then red and brown. During winter there’s not enough light for photosynthesis to occur, so trees close down their food production systems and reduce the amount of chlorophyll in their leaves.
People born in Autumn live longer. Babies born in the Autumn are more likely to live to 100 then those born in the rest of the year, according to a study in the Journal of Aging Research.
Our bodies love to “fall back”. On 29th October 2017 daylight saving time ends, giving us a well-deserved extra hour of sleep (unless you have young children of course!)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you so much - loved the interesting facts!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit