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Just because summer is over, doesn't mean your garden has to be!
You can plant spring bulbs throughout autumn, typically between September and December. This allows the bulbs to grow roots and establish themselves before winter.
Our favourite spring bulbs to plant include Tulips, Daffodils (Narcissus), Alliums, Crocuses, Hyacinths, Anemones, Muscari, Scilla, Eranthis, and Puschkinia.
Timing for Spring Bulbs 🌷
Tulips are generally best planted later on in autumn, from October to November, or even early December in milder climates. This helps avoid diseases that can thrive in warmer soil.
Daffodils (Narcissus), Hyacinths, and Crocuses should ideally be planted earlier in the autumn, with September being the optimal time, though early October can also work.
Other bulbs like Alliums, Anemones, Muscari, Scilla, Eranthis, and Puschkinia are generally planted from September to November.
Hyacinths and Crocuses can be planted until the end of October; earlier planting helps them establish better.
Set up your planter where the flowered bulbs in the spring will have at least six hours of sunlight daily; some varieties can tolerate slightly less.
Ensure your soil drains well to prevent bulbs from rotting; our planters have drainage along the base.
A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb three times the depth of the bulb. Larger bulbs might benefit from being planted a bit deeper. Always check the specific planting instructions for the bulb varieties you're using.
You can dig individual holes for each bulb (pointed end facing upward), or for a more natural look, dig a larger hole, place several bulbs in the larger hole, and cover them with soil.
Another option is to layer your bulbs with larger, later flowering bulbs deeper into the soil and smaller, earlier flowering bulbs higher in your planter.
Gently firm the soil around the plants to ensure good contact with the roots.
Water after planting: This will help settle the soil.
If you have a tall wooden planter in your outdoor space, lasagna style planting is another option.
This method involves layering different types of bulbs at varying depths to create a succession of blooms throughout the spring.
Here's a basic guide on how to do it:
- Start with the deepest bulbs: Begin by planting the largest bulbs, such as tulips or daffodils, at the bottom of the planter.
- Add intermediate bulbs: Layer smaller bulbs, like hyacinths or crocuses, above the first layer.
- Top with smaller bulbs: Plant the smallest bulbs, such as grape hyacinths or snowdrops, at the top of the planter.
- Cover with soil: Cover the bulbs with a layer of potting mix.
- Water: Water the planter thoroughly to settle the soil.
Tips for lasagna-style planting:
- Spacing: Plant the bulbs at the recommended spacing for each variety.
- Blooming times: Choose bulbs with staggered blooming times to create a continuous display of flowers.
- Soil depth: Plant the bulbs at the appropriate depth for each variety.
- Watering: Keep the planter well-watered during the growing season.
If sustainability is important to you, going peat-free with your compost is a great choice, as it reduces the ecological impact of peat extraction. It is a rich source of organic matter, holds moisture well and adds slow-release nutrients. Some peat-free alternatives might require additional nutrients or amendments, so check the label.
Did you know? When you order a wooden planter from us, you can choose to add castors, allowing you to easily move your planter wherever you like and expand your plant options without being restricted by its location.
Garden Planter Drainage
Drainage is important for your flowers and plants to thrive in planters; if there is nowhere for the water to go, it can pool and become waterlogged, leading to the roots drowning.
Our durable wooden planters are perfect for autumn planting. Their long-lasting, FSC-certified treated timber and excellent drainage will keep your plants healthy as they settle in for the winter.
You can create holes using an electric drill if your existing garden planter lacks drainage.
Have you heard of ‘crocks’? Not the shoe that’s somehow made a comeback!
In gardening, ‘crocks’ refer to a layer of materials placed over drainage holes to prevent compost from blocking them, ensuring excess water can escape and avoiding waterlogging.
Pieces of broken pottery or small stones can be used for this.
Check out how Helen @theinteriorslady has transformed her outdoor space with our custom-made garden planter. This bespoke garden piece includes drainage and lining for a thriving plant environment. We loved this collaboration!
Before adding the multi-purpose compost, Helen added a layer of gravel to the bottom of her bespoke planter.
Helen chose to plant an evergreen grass to add colour to autumn:
“I chose an evergreen grass, Carex Ice Dance, which will hopefully give a pop of green throughout the autumn and winter months. In the spring I’ll add a few other plants for colour and texture.”
We love how it looks!
Evergreen Grass For Your Planter
Want to recreate Helen's gorgeous garden planter? Explore these evergreen grass options to bring year-round beauty to your outdoor space.
Carex Ice Dance: Known for its striking silver-blue foliage with white stripes.
Festuca glauca: This blue fescue is a popular choice for its vibrant blue-green foliage.
Stipa tenacissima: This Spanish feather grass is known for its feathery, silvery-white flower heads.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger': This black mondo grass is a popular choice for its dark, almost black foliage.
When choosing an evergreen grass for your planter, consider the following:
- Sunlight requirements: Some grasses prefer full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil conditions: Most grasses prefer well-draining soil, but some can tolerate heavier soils.
- Maintenance requirements: Some grasses require minimal maintenance, while others may need occasional trimming or dividing.
- Size and growth habit: Consider the size and growth habit of the grass to ensure it will fit comfortably in your planter.
The evergreen varieties listed are all relatively low-maintenance and can add a touch of year-round color and texture to your garden.
introducing
New Handcrafted Wooden Planters
Our new bespoke wooden planters are handcrafted from sustainable FSC-certified timber, a statement of style, and built to last.
Whether you're a homeowner aiming to upgrade your garden, an interior designer searching for sustainable solutions, or a business owner wanting to create a welcoming outdoor space, our planters are the ideal choice.
Made from premium FSC-certified treated timber, they offer top-tier quality and eco-friendly design.
The Unique Features of Our New Outdoor Wooden Planters
Our new planters are packed with features that set them apart from anything else on the market:
25-Year Guarantee: Nothing is imported or outsourced; we’re so confident in the quality of our planters that we back them with a 25-year guarantee, ensuring they’ll be a lasting feature in your outdoor space.
Pre-Assembled and Handcrafted in the UK: Unlike many planters on the market, ours come fully assembled and are handcrafted right here in the UK, in our Derbyshire workshop.
Free UK Mainland Delivery: Enjoy the convenience of free delivery across the UK mainland; there are no hidden costs to get your planter home.
No Screws in Sight: Every corner of every level is joined internally, making them far superior in strength to a traditional garden planter.
Optional Wheels: Heavy-duty castor wheels are perfect for easy repositioning in gardens, restaurants, pubs, bars, and cafes.
Drainage Included for Healthy Plant Growth: Our planters come fully lined and include drainage along the base, ensuring healthy plant growth, preventing water accumulation, and ensuring your plants thrive without waterlogging.
Bespoke Sizes: Whether you need a planter large enough to make a statement or small enough to fit a cosy nook, we offer custom sizes to suit your space.
FSC-Certified Treated Timber: Made from premium FSC-certified treated and sustainably sourced timber, these garden planters are built to withstand the unpredictable UK weather.
Here’s what some of our happy customers have to say about our wooden planters:
“Great high quality and sturdy design—will clearly continue to look great for decades. Love the attention to detail with lining and drainage hole at the bottom, which will help our honeysuckle wall to flourish!”
“Look great outside our pub venue; wheels are great for bringing them in at night. We ordered two, then ordered two more.”
Check out the crew; hard at work during our recent outdoor furniture photoshoot.
We are so lucky to have our workshop set against the stunning backdrop of Matlock, Derbyshire.
We took photos of our new garden and patio planters, outdoor dining sets, and benches and chairs.
Handmade Wooden Planters and More!
Our new garden planters are just the beginning! Cosy up on cooler evenings with our outdoor tables and campfire chairs, perfect for cooler evenings and enjoying roasted marshmallows (or beers) with family and friends.
Explore Our Outdoor Range
