Gardening guide for autumn planting of bulbs and currants

September and autumn serve as critical periods for garden preparation, specifically for planting spring-blooming bulbs and fruit shrubs.

For spring flowers, September is an ideal time to plant narcissus, crocuses, and scilla to allow for proper rooting before winter. Other varieties like tulips can be planted later in the autumn, provided the soil has not frozen. To achieve a natural aesthetic, it is recommended to plant bulbs in groups and combine species with different blooming schedules, such as snowdrops, crocuses, and narcissus, to ensure a continuous spring display. Bulbs should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of two to three times the height of the bulb.

Autumn is also an optimal time for planting currants. Container-grown currants can be planted immediately, while bare-root varieties should wait until late October. When planting, it is advised to use a planting hole larger than the container and mix the soil with compost. Gardeners can choose between bush currants, which are more resilient to frost and wind, and standard (tree-form) currants, which occupy less space but require more support due to their grafted nature.