From pansies to potatoes, bulbs to berries – our Autumn Gardening Guide helps you choose what to plant now and how to care for it. We’ve also linked to offer categories throughout, so you can explore a wide range of seasonal plants and shop the look with ease.
AUTUMN GARDENING OCTOBER 2025
Autumn GARDENING GUIDE
A GUIDE TO WINTER & SPRING BEDDING
As the days grow shorter and the garden begins to quieten, it’s easy to think the season for colour is over. But with a little planning and the right plants, your garden can stay vibrant right through winter and into early spring. Winter and spring bedding plants are the perfect way to keep containers, borders and hanging baskets looking cheerful when most other plants are dormant. Bedding plants are seasonal stars: short- lived but high-impact plants grown for their colourful flowers and foliage. They’re typically used to fill gaps, refresh displays or create bold, seasonal statements in pots, beds and borders. What are bedding plants?
Winter pansies A true winter staple, pansies are tough, cheerful, and come in many colours. Unlike summer types, winter pansies are bred to bloom in colder weather. They flower off and on through winter, then burst into full bloom in early spring. Violas Smaller and more delicate than pansies, violas are just as hardy and often flower more prolifically. Their dainty blooms are perfect for pots and baskets, and they cope well with wet, cold conditions. Polyanthus and primroses These low-growing plants offer clusters of bright flowers in late winter and early spring. They’re great for edging paths or filling gaps in borders. Wallflowers ( Erysimum ) Often grown as biennials, wallflowers are planted in autumn and flower in spring. Their rich colours and sweet scent make them a favourite for traditional spring displays. Sweet William Another biennial, sweet William offers clusters of fragrant flowers in late spring. Plant in autumn for strong, early growth. Cyclamen coum A hardy perennial, cyclamen produce delicate, nodding flowers in pink, white or red from late winter into spring. Ideal for shady spots under trees or in containers. Top bedding plants for winter and spring
Design tips
While bedding plants are often chosen for their visual appeal, many also provide valuable food for pollinators. Violas, pansies and wallflowers can offer nectar and pollen during mild spells when bees and other insects are active. Winter bedding is generally low-maintenance, but a few simple steps will keep your displays looking their best: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Water sparingly – plants need less in winter, but don’t let them dry out completely. Protect from extreme cold – move pots to sheltered spots or cover with fleece during hard frosts. Feed in early spring with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage fresh growth and flowering. Caring for bedding plants through winter Winter bedding for wildlife To support wildlife: Choose single-flowered varieties over doubles. Avoid excessive use of pesticides. Combine bedding with pollinator-friendly perennials and shrubs. Layer your planting : Use taller plants at the back of borders or centre of pots, with lower-growing varieties around the edges. Add evergreen structure : Include small evergreen shrubs or grasses to provide year- round interest and contrast. Mix textures and heights : Combine upright plants like wallflowers with trailing options like ivy or trailing violas. Stick to a colour theme : Cool blues and purples for a calming effect, or warm reds and yellows for a bold winter statement.
1. Choose the right spot Most bedding plants prefer a sunny or lightly shaded position. Make sure the soil is well-drained – soggy roots are a common cause of failure in winter. 2. Prepare the soil Before planting, dig in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and drainage. In containers, use a quality peat-free compost mixed with a little grit for extra drainage. 3. Planting technique Space plants according to their mature size – usually around 15–20cm apart. Water in well after planting. Mulch around the base of plants to help insulate roots and retain moisture. 4. Container care In pots and baskets, ensure good drainage by adding crocks or gravel at the base. Raise containers off the ground using pot feet or bricks to prevent waterlogging. How to plant bedding for winter and spring
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A GUIDE TO SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS
A general rule: plant bulbs at a depth of two to three times their height. Here’s a quick guide: How deep should you plant bulbs? Containers – Great for patios and small spaces. Lawns – Naturalise bulbs like crocuses and daffodils for a meadow-like effect. Under trees and shrubs – Many bulbs thrive in dappled shade.
There’s a bulb for every garden style and space. Here are a few favourites to get you started: Daffodils ( Narcissus ) Cheerful and reliable, they’re perfect for borders, containers, or naturalising in grass. Tulips Available in a dazzling array of colours and shapes. Best planted later in autumn to avoid fungal diseases. Crocuses Early bloomers that bring a splash of colour to lawns and rockeries. Hyacinths Known for their strong fragrance and dense flower spikes. Snowdrops ( Galanthus ) Delicate white flowers that often bloom as early as January. Where to plant Spring bulbs are incredibly versatile. You can plant them in: Borders – Mix them among perennials for a layered look. Spring-flowering bulbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to add a burst of colour after winter. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, bulbs bring life, structure and joy to your garden come spring. Why plant bulbs in autumn? Spring bulbs need a period of cold dormancy to trigger flowering. Planting them in autumn, ideally between September and November, gives them time to establish roots before the winter weather sets in. Choosing the right bulbs
Bulb Type
Planting Depth
Daffodils
10–15cm
Tulips
15–20cm
Crocuses
5–8cm
Hyacinths
10–15cm
Snowdrops
5–8cm
Tip : Make sure the soil is well-drained. Bulbs hate sitting in waterlogged ground, which can cause them to rot.
Caring for bulbs after planting
The ‘Bulb Lasagne’ technique
Once planted, bulbs need little attention. Water them in well, especially if the soil is dry, and then let nature take its course. In containers, check that they don’t dry out completely over winter. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally – this helps the bulb store energy for the following year. Avoid tying or cutting back leaves until they’ve turned yellow. 1. Label your bulbs so you remember what’s planted where. 2. Group bulbs in odd numbers for a more natural look. 3. Mix early , mid , and late-season varieties for a longer display. 4. Add grit to heavy soils to improve drainage. 5. Feed with a high-potash fertiliser after flowering to boost next year’s blooms Top tips for success 1. 3.
If you’re short on space or want a long- lasting display, try planting a multi- layered pot of bulbs, often called a bulb lasagne. This technique involves planting bulbs in layers, with the latest-flowering bulbs at the bottom and the earliest at the top. Here’s how to do it: Choose a deep container with good drainage. 1. Add a layer of compost to the bottom. Plant the first layer (e.g. tulips) about 20cm deep. Cover with compost, then add the second layer (e.g. daffodils). Repeat with a third layer (e.g. crocuses or muscari) near the top. Fill to the rim with compost and water well. Watch: How to layer bulbs for non-stop spring colour 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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FRUIT & VEG TO PLANT THIS AUTUMN Autumn may feel like the end of the growing season, but for fruit and veg growers, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. As the summer crops fade, autumn is the perfect time to sow, plant and plan for a productive winter and early spring harvest. With the right choices, your plot can stay active and rewarding all year round.
Why grow in autumn and winter?
Growing your own food in the cooler months has many benefits: Maximise your space by keeping beds productive year-round. Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce straight from your garden to your plate. Reduce supermarket reliance , especially for hardy greens and root veg. Get a head start on spring by planting now for early crops.
Top crops to grow now
Garlic One of the easiest crops to grow. Plant individual cloves in autumn for a summer harvest. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and space cloves 15cm apart. Onions & Shallots Autumn-planted sets (like ‘Radar’ or ‘Electric’) establish roots before winter and mature earlier than spring-planted ones. Great for overwintering. Winter Salads Hardy options like lamb’s lettuce, mizuna and winter purslane can be sown under cover or in cold frames for fresh leaves through winter. Spring Cabbage Sow in late summer and plant out in autumn. These will overwinter and provide tender heads in early spring. Carrots Some varieties, like ‘Autumn King’, can be sown in late summer and harvested through winter if protected with fleece or cloches.
Broad Beans Sow in autumn for an earlier crop next spring. Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ are especially hardy. Potatoes (for Christmas) Plant second-cropping potatoes in containers in late summer and move them under cover before the first frost for festive new potatoes. Fruit to plant in autumn Autumn is also the ideal time to plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes, as the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter. Apple and pear trees – Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and ensure good drainage. Raspberries and blackberries – Plant canes in rows and support with wires. Currants and gooseberries – Great for small gardens and containers. Strawberries – Plant runners now for a strong crop next summer.
Tips for success in cold weather growing
Choose the right varieties Look for varieties labelled as ‘hardy’ or ‘suitable for overwintering’. These are bred to cope with lower light levels and cold temperatures. Protect your crops Use cloches, fleece, cold frames or polytunnels to shield young plants from frost and wind. Even a simple DIY cover can make a big difference. Watch your watering Plants need less water in winter, but don’t let them dry out completely. Water early in the day to avoid overnight freezing. Mulch and feed Mulching helps insulate roots and suppress weeds. Apply a slow-release organic fertiliser to support steady growth. Keep an eye on pests Slugs and snails are still active in mild spells. Use barriers, traps or wildlife-friendly deterrents to protect young plants. Autumn is also the time to prepare for next year’s growing season: Clear spent crops and compost healthy plant material. Add organic matter to enrich the soil. Plan your crop rotation to avoid disease build-up. Order seeds early so you don’t miss out on popular varieties Planning ahead for spring
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TREES & SHRUBS TO PLANT THIS AUTUMN Every garden needs a backbone – plants that provide structure, interest and rhythm through the seasons. Trees and shrubs do just that, and autumn is the perfect time to plant them. While the soil is still warm, roots establish quickly, setting the stage for strong spring growth. But it’s not only about planning ahead. Many trees and shrubs shine right now, with fiery foliage, colourful berries and even winter flowers. Whether you’re filling a gap, reshaping a border or starting fresh, the right choices this
season will reward you for years to come. Designing with trees and shrubs
When choosing what to plant, think about the role each tree or shrub will play in your garden. Structure: Use evergreens or trees with strong form to define space or frame views. Seasonal highlights: Choose varieties that shine in autumn or winter – through foliage, bark, berries or flowers. Wildlife value: Many shrubs and trees offer food and shelter for birds and pollinators. Layering is key: Combine taller trees with mid-height shrubs and low-growing evergreens to create depth and seasonal rhythm.
Autumn Stars: A few to consider Acer palmatum
Don’t overlook winter when planning your planting. Some shrubs and trees come into their own when everything else is bare, including: Sarcococca confusa A compact evergreen with glossy leaves and intensely fragrant white flowers in winter. Ideal for shady spots near paths. Mahonia x media With bold, spiky foliage and bright yellow flowers, this shrub adds drama and scent to winter borders. Prunus serrula Grown for its polished mahogany bark, which glows in low winter light. A striking focal point in bare borders. Betula utilis subsp . jacquemontii The Himalayan birch’s white bark adds elegance and contrast, especially when underplanted with evergreens or early bulbs. Hamamelis x intermedia Witch hazels flower in midwinter with spidery, scented blooms. Plant near a path or doorway to enjoy their fragrance. Japanese maples are perfect for small gardens or containers. Their finely cut leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn. Best in dappled shade and sheltered spots. Amelanchier lamarckii A multi-season performer with spring blossom, summer berries and glowing autumn foliage. Works well in borders or as a small specimen tree. Cornus alba Dogwoods are grown as much for their colourful winter stems as for their autumn leaves. Cut back hard in spring to encourage vivid new growth. Viburnum opulus Offers spring flowers, autumn berries and fiery foliage. A great all-rounder for wildlife and seasonal interest. Adding winter interest
Tips for success
Even the toughest trees and shrubs need the right start. Here’s how to ensure they settle in well. Dig wide, not deep: The planting hole should be twice the width of the rootball but no deeper than the roots sit naturally. Backfill with care: Use the original soil, enriched with compost if needed. Avoid burying the stem or trunk. Water well: Even in cool weather, new plants need regular watering until established. Stake if necessary: Young trees may need support to prevent wind rock. Use a short stake and tie loosely. Mulch generously: Add a 5-8cm layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds – but keep it clear of the stem.
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PERENNIALS TO PLANT THIS AUTUMN
Perennials are the quiet achievers of the garden. Planted once, they return year after year – often bigger, better, and more beautiful with time. Autumn is one of the best times to plant, with warm soil, reliable rainfall and cooler temperatures that reduce stress on young plants. It’s the perfect window for root establishment before winter. But perennials aren’t just about long-term planning. Many varieties offer colour, texture and even flowers through the colder months, keeping borders lively well into winter.
Spring may be the traditional planting season, but autumn has distinct advantages. Plants focus their energy on root development rather than top growth, which means they settle in more efficiently. By the time spring arrives, they’re ready to surge into growth. Autumn planting also gives you a clearer view of your garden’s structure. With summer blooms fading, it’s easier to spot gaps and think about how to extend interest into the colder months. Why autumn is ideal for perennials
Planning your planting
When choosing perennials for autumn planting, think about the following. Seasonal continuity: What will carry your borders through winter and into early spring? Structure and texture: Grasses, seedheads and evergreen foliage can all add visual interest. Wildlife value: Many perennials provide food and shelter for insects and birds over winter. It’s also worth considering how your chosen plants will age. Some perennials, like hellebores and bergenias, look good even in the depths of winter. Others, such as rudbeckias or echinaceas, may fade gracefully, their seedheads catching frost and feeding birds.
Perennials that work hard in winter
While many perennials go dormant in winter, a few continue to earn their keep with evergreen foliage or cold-season flowers. Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose) Flowering from late winter into early spring, it brings colour to shady borders when little else is in bloom. Its leathery leaves also provide year-round structure. Bergenia (Elephant’s ears) A reliable evergreen. Its bold leaves take on rich red and bronze tones in cold weather, and its early spring flowers are a welcome sight. Miscanthus Though it dies back in late winter, its tall, feathery plumes and upright stems persist through frost and snow, adding movement and structure to the garden. Leave seedheads standing for a striking silhouette in low winter light. Sedum ( Hylotelephium ) Its dried flowerheads provide structure and food for birds, while its fleshy foliage adds texture through autumn. Iris unguicularis Produces fragrant, purple flowers in late winter, often blooming in February. The evergreen, grass-like foliage also adds structure year-round Tips for planting perennials in autumn Prepare the soil: Clear weeds, dig in compost and ensure good drainage – especially important in heavy soils. Water well: Even in cooler weather, new plants need regular watering until they’re established. Mulch after planting: A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots from frost. Label your plants: Many perennials die back completely in winter, so it’s easy to forget what’s where. If you’re dividing existing perennials, autumn is also a great time to do it. Lift and split clumps of plants like daylilies, hardy geraniums and hostas to rejuvenate them and create more plants for free.
Design tips
Perennials are the backbone of a well-designed border. Use them to create layers of interest, combining different heights, textures and bloom times. Front of border: Low- growing evergreens like heucheras or tiarellas provide colour and ground cover. Mid-border: Plants like echinaceas, rudbeckias and
salvias offer long-lasting flowers and strong form. Back of border: Taller perennials such as
monkshood, veronicastums and Joe Pye weed add drama and height. Mix in a few evergreen or winter- flowering varieties to keep the display going when herbaceous plants die back.
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