You can plant trees and bushes in the ground not only in spring. In some cases, fall is the right time to plant. We explain the benefits of autumn planting and why it's worth it.
Planting trees and shrubs in October: What are the benefits of autumn planting?
In principle, most trees and shrubs can be planted in the ground in autumn. October is the right time for this because the ground is not yet frozen and the plants can develop their roots. Bare-root species in particular need time to root through the soil. They are grown in garden centers in the summer and early fall anyway and then stored until spring. However, a long storage period can have a negative effect on the tree. Individual plant parts could rot, pests could spread and most plants would then be weakened anyway. So if you want to buy healthy plants at a reasonable price, autumn is the right time to do so.
Important when buying bare root species: You can keep them until the end of April. But it's best to put them in the ground as quickly as possible.
For which species does planting in spring make sense?
It is better not to plant conifers, frost-sensitive hedge plants and exotic plants such as hibiscus until April. They take longer to develop their fine roots. When planting in autumn there is a risk that the soil will freeze,before the bushesand trees can expand their root system. In this case, the trees will evaporate because they cannot absorb the water.
Which flowering bushes to plant in October?
If you want to add a splash of color to your garden in spring and summer, flowering shrubs are a great option. These types are possible:
Which trees and shrubs to plant in autumn: Hydrangeas
In autumn you can plant the types of hydrangeas that sprout and form flowers on this year's wood. These include, for example, the quickball hydrangea or the panicle hydrangea. They will be cut back heavily in March anyway.
Autumn planting makes sense for ball hydrangea varieties “Annabelle”, “Incrediball” and “Belle”, as well as for panicle hydrangea varieties “Hercules”, “Pink Lady” and “Magical Flame”.
The hydrangeas, which, however, have flower buds on perennial shoots, can freeze severely in autumn and will no longer bloom the next spring.
Forsithia can also be planted out in October
The forsythia can be planted in the ground from October to March, even April. In regions with a mild climate, planting in autumn is even recommended because there is more rainfall in the cold season. The “Magical Gold” variety tolerates frosts particularly well. To ensure that it sprouts vigorously next year, it should be planted in the ground by mid-October, before the first permanent frost. The young plant needs time to adapt to the conditions of the new location.
Trees and shrubs for planting in autumn: roses
Rose bushes are planted in the bed between mid-October and the end of November. An important prerequisite for their good development is that they are planted out during a frost-free period. However, the shoots of the young plant need frost protection in order to get through the winter well. Pile a layer of soil at least 30 cm thick on top and then lay down a 15 cm thick layer of mulch.
The planting time for lilacs begins in September and ends in November
Lilac is one of the shrubs that benefit from fall planting. This gives the tree enough time to root through the soil and adapt to the new location before it sprouts again in the springflowers. Varieties that get through the winter without any problems include the royal lilac, the dwarf fragrant lilac, and various hybrids.
What trees can you plant in autumn?
It's not just flowering trees that can be planted in autumn. There are also many types of trees that can be planted in the ground in October. We list several examples and explain what you should consider when planting.
Hardy fruit trees
Winter-hardy fruit trees can easily tolerate even sub-zero temperatures. The young trees are sold bare-rooted in autumn and should therefore be planted as soon as possible after purchase, ideally at the beginning of October. In the winter months the trees can take root well.
These include the following trees:
- Apple
- cherry
- Sour cherry
- Plums
- Plums
- Quinces
Berry bushes, although they are not trees in principle, are also hardy trees and can be planted in the ground in autumn.
When planting, you should pay particular attention to the correct hole depth and width. In addition, most fruit trees need to be supported. To do this, place a stake in the ground about two hand widths away from the tree. Then fill the hole with soil (if the soil is nutrient-poor you can also mix in organic compost). Then kick the earth. Finally, all that remains is to tie the tree to the post and water it thoroughly.
Shady trees
Trees such as the red maple, the rock pear or the chaste tree are the perfect shade for the balcony or terrace. Remove weeds before planting. Do not plant them too deep in the soil and lay a 5 cm to 7 cm thick layer of mulch so that the moisture in the soil does not evaporate too quickly.
Also interesting:Which vegetables to plant in October? These 10 species can now go into the bed
