Don’t wait for the joys of spring
There are distinct advantages to planting in autumn and winter rather than spring, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
SPENDING time in the garden when it is entering a period of dormancy does not have the same allure as when everything is bursting into life in spring.and yet this really is nature’s optimum time to get new specimens in the ground.
A regular supply of rainwater is guaranteed to fuel strong root growth below ground, in readiness to power the top growth with flowers and foliage, when dormancy ends.
There is nothing wrong with planting new specimens in spring as long as you are prepared to molly coddle them over the whole summer because they will need plenty of regular watering.
Problems arise when heatwave and drought conditions occur during their first growing season; something we may have to come to terms with in these uncertain times of climate change. Mature plants with a well-developed
Plant tulips deeply into ground, to a depth of at least seven or eight inches and loosen the soil beneath the base of the hole for easy root growth. Plant tulips less deeply in pots and cover with wire mesh or any other suitable barrier that prevents squirrels digging them up. For best results, plant garlic cloves before the end of the month. They prefer soil that is free-draining, so if you have heavy clay, plant them in a raised bed or add plenty of grit to the planting hole. root system are far more adept at coping with stressful extremes of weather than newly-planted specimens with shallow roots, which may even be lost if your annual holiday coincides with a particularly hot, dry spell.
So, if you are considering investing in a beautiful climbing rose, statement tree or hard-working shrub, now is a great time to get it in the ground.
Look to garden centres for containerised plants but for a far wider and more diverse selection visit online garden retail sites who will be offering bare-root plants for sale from now until early spring.
Price wise, bare-root specimens are usually more competitively priced and have a reliable reputation for establishing quickly.
Fruit trees, canes and bushes are also available in bare-root form, as are some perennials and hedging plants.
Bare-root plants are supplied with no soil around their roots, initially they will have been grown in nursery beds and are lifted during the dormant season.
They are therefore lightweight and easy to send in the post.
Avoid planting when the soil is frozen or overly waterlogged and get them into the ground as soon as possible after they arrive.