The 4 advantages of planting in autumn

In recent years, we have noticed a striking trend in garden centres: more and more plants are bought in spring than in autumn. But is this also the best period for planting?

This new trend seems a logical choice. In spring, the first birds start to sing again, and the days get longer. Temperatures also become more pleasant. Say it yourself: under a spring sun you feel much more like digging in the earth, don't you?

Working in spring may have many advantages for (amateur) gardeners, but not for the plants. When autumn arrives, temperatures drop temperatures drop and the trees lose their lushly coloured leaves, planting doesn't seem to be much use. Nothing could be further from the truth, because your plants will just gain strength during the autumn months. We list the 4 advantages of planting in the autumn!

Warm soil

The aftereffects of the summer provide for a rather warm soil in the autumn. The plants will root themselves slowly but steadily in the soil, and have enough time to prepare for the cold winter months. When King Winter arrives, this process will stop until the soil warms up again in the spring. Because the plants were planted in the autumn, they have a growth advantage and have developed a stronger and larger root system than plants planted in the spring.

You will also reap the rewards of this in the summer because the autumn plants grow much faster and are more resistant to drought.

Enjoying the garden in spring

This immediately brings us to the next advantage: by starting work in the autumn, we can enjoy a beautifully planted garden in the spring more quickly. And that is what we do it for, right?

Less chance of drought

During the average Belgian autumn, a lot of rain from the sky. Because of this, the chance of (extreme) dryness is almost non-existent in the autumn. So you do not have to worry that your plants will not get enough water, and you do not have to be constantly busy with a sprinkler.

Time for gardening

In spring, many (amateur) gardeners are busy with the vegetable garden, where the work piles up again. In the autumn, however, you have less to do, and can take the time to give the plants a nice, well thought-out place in your garden.

Are there only advantages to planting in the autumn? No, there is one great danger: Autumn and winter are unpredictable. Severe frost nights can cause damage to the roots, and the plant may even freeze. This is especially true for plants that go into the ground bare-root, after which the temperature quickly drops below freezing. So keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and protect the plants from the cold. You can do this by protecting them with a winter cover, a black ground cloth or an extra layer of compost.

However, this disadvantage does not outweigh the many advantages! Plant in the autumn, and your plants will thank you!

Any more handy planting tips? 👇

• Prepare the soil for planting
• Do I choose for plants in pot, root ball or bare root?