September Garden Work: Bulb Planting and Wood Additions

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for gardeners to prepare their gardens for the upcoming season. Lutz Popp, a gardening expert from the Bavarian State Association for Gardening and Landscape (BLGL), recommends planting bulbs and trees in September.

The soil in September is still warm, evaporation decreases, and the humid climate provides good conditions for new plants. This makes September an ideal month for new plantings in gardens.

When it comes to bulbs, ideally, they should be placed between perennials. The rule for planting bulbs is to plant them about twice as deep as they are tall. Smaller types of bulbs should be planted in dense groups, larger ones in looser ones. A thin mulch layer of organic material helps keep the soil moist and promotes soil life. Loosening the surface and building up humus over time ensures that the soil remains absorbent and extends watering intervals.

Fall bloomers can provide late-season blooms if planted by mid-September, given the right conditions. Early bloomers like crocuses and daffodils are suitable for planting in September. With smart selection, bloom times and fruit ripening can be staggered to benefit insects and birds for a long time.

Trees, shrubs, and hedges can also be planted in the fall with careful planning. New plantings need enough water. Hedges with formal pruning prefer to be closer together, while hedges that grow freely need space, and depending on size, enough distance should be maintained.

Native flowering and wild shrubs provide protection, structure, and food, and remain lively throughout the year. Trees, such as field maple (Acer campestre), beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus species), spruce (Picea abies), and pine (Pinus species), are among the most common tree species planted in Germany in autumn. Autumn is preferred for planting to allow the trees to establish roots before winter.

For those looking to plant trees, a slight zigzag line is recommended for optimal growth. This allows for better water absorption and reduces the risk of wind damage.

By following these guidelines, gardeners can ensure a beautiful and thriving garden throughout the year. Happy planting!