RHS NEWS EXPLAINED

RHS message for 2026: make more use of autumn planting

Why the RHS is encouraging gardeners to treat autumn as a major planting season rather than waiting for the traditional spring rush.

KS Garden Services • Updated 5 October 2026 • UK gardening advice

Gardener planting bulbs in an autumn border

What has changed?

Following an exceptionally dry spring and summer in 2026, the RHS is highlighting autumn planting as an important way to build more resilient gardens. Cooler temperatures, wetter soils and lower water demand can give trees, shrubs, climbers and many perennials a useful head start.

Why it matters

Plants put in during autumn have more time to establish roots before the following summer. That can reduce the pressure of trying to establish new planting during hot, dry spells.

One important exception

Very wet gardens and heavy clay need judgement. Some perennials are better planted in spring where winter wet is likely to be the bigger risk.

What this means locally: In North West gardens, drainage and soil structure matter just as much as rainfall totals. Autumn can be excellent for planting, but do not plant into saturated ground simply because the calendar says so.

Sources & further reading: Source: Royal Horticultural Society — Why autumn is the best time to plant.

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