The garden might look like it’s winding down, but this is where the smart gains happen. We dig into why autumn gives trees and shrubs a head start: soil stays warm, air cools, energy shifts below ground, and roots quietly get to work while you do less. If you’ve ever been told to wait for spring, you’ll hear exactly how that advice costs time, water, and success.

I walk through the plant physiology that makes September to November a sweet spot for establishment, then compare it with the realities of spring planting when leaves are pushing, transpiration spikes, and the hose becomes a constant chore. You’ll learn when container-grown plants excel, how root-balled evergreens fit into late autumn, and why the bare-root season is unbeatable value for hedging, fruit, and deciduous trees. We cover simple, low-effort steps: site prep, planting depth, firming soil, one good water-in, staking properly, and adding a light mulch to stabilise moisture.

For newer gardeners planning a first hedge or feature tree, this is your green light to act before winter. I also share quick grow-along updates, from uneven germination to sneaky slugs under trays, plus what to do next without panicking about slow seeds. Looking ahead, we’ve got seed saving, a deep dive on bare-root planting, and our annual Christmas gifts for gardeners special, where I’m inviting one female and one male listener to come on and share their lists.

If this helped you rethink your garden calendar, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s itching to plant, and leave a quick review so more gardeners find us. Got gift ideas or want to be on the gifts episode? Message me on Instagram or email [email protected].

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John