September is a busy time for gardens as it begins a stage of forward-planning for gardeners to establish the roots of a vibrant, flower-filled spring. While autumn tasks may feel like winding down, what green-thumbed Brits do now can have a huge impact months down the line. It’s a key time to take advantage of the lingering warmth in the soil and get a head start before the harsher weather arrives.
Composite decking brand Trex has partnered with TrexPro and landscaper Simon Parry of Simon Parry Landscaping & Gardening to share an important piece of advice ahead of the start of autumn. “September marks the start of autumn and is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for the cooler months whilst setting the stage for spring,” he advised.
Planting spring bulbs now gives them the chance to establish strong roots before winter sets in — a move that will pay off in the form of early and impressive blooms.
Bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and irises need time to settle in, whether they’re planted in beds or pots or scattered through grassy borders.
Veteran horticulturalist Monty Don even branded it the “biggest and most important” task gardeners should focus on during September and October.
On an episode of Gardeners’ World, he said: “We’re at that time of year when planting spring bulbs is the biggest and essential job for the rest of this month and throughout October.
“I try and get in all my spring bulbs both into the ground, into grass, into pots – except for tulips.
“So daffodils, irises, scillas, muscari. And some hyacinths.”
Monty also stressed that drainage is key for all of the spring bulbs. He opted for using a pot with a large drainage hole at the bottom and side drainage, covering the bottom with a crock.
