Bring Autumn's golden touch to your container garden
Don't let summer's end be the end of your garden. Just because summer has faded doesn't mean your garden has to hibernate. While the days are getting shorter and darker, your garden can continue to thrive with a little care and attention. Autumn is a wonderful time to create stunning container displays that will bring joy and colour to your outdoor space until the first frosts arrive.
Preparing your containers
The first step is to clean out any dead or dying plants from your existing containers. This will not only improve the appearance but also help prevent diseases. Remove these plants and add them to your compost heap, or if you prefer, cut them back and overwinter them indoors. Once your containers are empty, give them a thorough cleaning with soapy water to remove any lingering dirt or pests. This will help ensure that your new plants have a healthy environment to grow in.
Filling your autumn containers
Using fresh compost is essential for healthy plant growth. The compost you use during the summer is likely depleted of nutrients and should be replaced. A loam-based compost is ideal for larger containers, while a multipurpose compost is suitable for smaller ones.
Drainage is crucial for autumn container gardening. As the weather cools and rainfall increases, it's essential to ensure your containers have adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Choose containers with drainage holes and elevate them off the ground using pot feet or bricks. This allows excess water to flow freely, preventing the roots from sitting in soggy compost throughout autumn and winter.
Watering and caring for your autumn containers
Containers can dry out quickly in dry weather. It's important to check the moisture levels regularly and water as needed, even in the autumn and winter months. Using rainwater from a water butt is a great way to conserve water and provide your plants with a natural source of moisture.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your container plants healthy over autumn. Inspect your containers daily for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. Removing dead flowers and leaves will also help to promote continued blooming.
Autumn plants to try in your containers
Autumn is a wonderful time to showcase a variety of colourful plants in your containers and British Garden Centres has everything you need for the last part of the year for a spectacular display. Here's some of our favourite autumn plants...
Cyclamen: These delicate cup shaped flowers come in a range of colours and are perfect for both small and large containers as lower plants.
Rudbeckia: These cheerful daisy-like blooms add a burst of vibrancy to your garden and are easy to care for.
Chrysanthemums: Available in a variety of colours including classic white and yellow to deep reds, purples, and oranges and in different sizes, chrysanthemums are a classic choice for autumn containers.
Heathers: These hardy plants provide a splash of colour including pink, purple, white, and red throughout the later months. It is also drought-tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures, making it ideal for your autumn container.
Sedums: Succulent plants that add a unique texture and interest to your containers and are loved by pollinating insects that will feast on its nectar throughout autumn.
