Grow a Bumper Autumn Small Space Garden

Autumn is a beautiful season and in our wonderful country we're able to grow bountiful gardens even in the cooler months, and it's the perfect time to start a container garden.

Container gardening is an excellent way to establish an Autumn garden as it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of location, plant choice, and maintenance. With the right combination of vegetables, perennials, and ornamentals, you can create a stunning and productive Autumn container garden.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best vegetables, perennials, and ornamentals to plant in autumn.

Will every plant grow where you live?

As much as we would like to think that we could grow any plant in our garden space, sadly this is generally untrue. We have all been guilty of copming out of the garden centre with an armful of seedlings and potted plants only to find that they fail to thrive in our gardens.

Having knowledge of your grow zone and the conditions under which plants will grow well in your garden is critical to success. Learn more about your grow zone in Autumn in the Know Your Autumn Grow Zone BLOG.

Soil Is Everything!

Refreshing potting soil in Autumn is important for several reasons. Over time, the nutrients in potting soil can become depleted, leading to stunted growth or even plant death. Additionally, potting soil can become compacted, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your plants.

By refreshing your potting soil in Autumn, you can ensure your plants have the nutrients and space they need to thrive. If you identify depletion, this might involve removing the old soil from your pots and replacing it with fresh potting soil. You can also add organic matter, like compost or worm castings, to help improve soil structure and provide additional nutrients.

Your garden centre will have many bagged potting mixes, some blended for particular plants such as acid-loving Azaleas and Camellias, and special veggie, rose and citrus mixes. Always purchase a potting mix that meets the Australian Standards as indicated by the ticks on the side of the bags. Better still, why not make your potting mix? It's economical and a more sustainable way to start your garden. Check out our Blog Make Potting Soil For Your Container Garden

Vegetables to Plant in Autumn Containers

Autumn is the ideal season for growing vegetables as the temperatures are cooler, and the soil is still warm enough to promote growth. Some of the best vegetables to plant in Autumn containers include:

1. Root Vegetables—From carrots and beets to radishes and turnips, Autumn is prime time for root vegetables. Sow seeds now, and you'll be rewarded with crunchy, flavorful delights come harvest time.

2. Spinach - Easy to Grow: Spinach is relatively easy to grow and can be grown in various soil types and climates. It can be grown in pots, raised beds, or the ground.

3. Lettuce - Lettuce is a great vegetable to grow in containers in Autumn as it prefers cooler temperatures. You can plant a variety of lettuces, such as Iceberg, Butterhead, and Romaine.

4. Herbs -  chives, lavender, mint, lemon balm, oregano, thyme and parsley.
   
   

5. Peas - These plants are perfect for growing in pots as they have shallow roots. Plant them in a sunny location and provide support for their vines.

6. Broccoli—This cool-season vegetable thrives in cooler temperatures and is perfect for container gardening. It can produce a large yield for the amount of space it occupies in the garden. One plant can produce multiple heads, and some varieties can continue to produce side shoots even after the main head has been harvested.

7. Potatoes - There is nothing like harvesting potatoes in the summer, which started in the colder months. Remember, the larger the container, the more plentiful the yield.

Perennials to Plant in Autumn Containers

Perennials are plants that come back year after year and are perfect for container gardening. Some of the best perennials to plant in autumn containers include:

1. Chrysanthemums—Chrysanthemums are a popular autumn perennial that can be grown in containers. They come in a variety of colours and can brighten up any space.

2. Salvia - These plants are perfect for container gardening and come in various colors. Plant them in a deep container with well-draining soil.

3. Sedum - These succulent plants are perfect for container gardening as they require very little water. Plant them in a shallow container with well-draining soil.

4. Dianthus—Dianthus is another popular perennial that can be grown in containers in Autumn. It comes in a variety of colours and has a sweet fragrance.

5. Hellebores - These plants are perfect for Autumn containers as they bloom in the cooler months. Plant them in a deep container with well-draining soil.

6. Spring Bulbs—Yes, these are planted from Autumn through Winter, and whilst they won't provide much to look at during the cold months, preparation is key for a glorious Spring display.

Ornamentals to Plant in Autumn Containers

Ornamentals are perfect for adding color and texture to your Autumn garden. Some of the best ornamentals to plant in autumn containers include:

1. Pansies - Pansies are a popular ornamental plant that can be grown in containers in autumn. They come in various colours and can add a pop of colour to any space.

2. Violas - Violas are similar to pansies and can be grown in containers in Autumn. They come in a variety of colours and have a delicate fragrance.

3. Ornamental kale—Ornamental kale is a great option for a cool-season container garden. Its colourful foliage can add interest to any space.

4. Snapdragons - Snapdragons are another popular ornamental that can be grown in containers in autumn. They come in various colours and can add height to your container garden.

Why Container Growing is an Excellent Way to Establish an Autumn Garden

Container gardening is an excellent way to establish an Autumn garden for several reasons:

1. Flexibility - Container gardening allows you to move your plants around to find the perfect spot for them. This is especially important in Autumn when the weather can be unpredictable. If a sudden frost is predicted, you can move your container plants to a warmer location.

2. Space-saving - Container gardening allows you to grow plants in small spaces such as balconies, patios, or decks. This is perfect for those living in apartments with limited yard space.You can grow a variety of plants in containers and arrange them on a balcony, patio, or porch.

3. Control - Container gardening gives you more control over your plants' growing conditions. You can control the type of soil, amount of water, and exposure to sunlight your plants receive.

4. Variety—With container gardening, you can experiment with a variety of plants that may not be suitable for your garden's soil or climate. You can choose from a range of autumn-blooming flowers, herbs, and vegetables that thrive in containers.

5. Aesthetics - Container gardening can add a beautiful touch to your outdoor living space. You can choose from various container materials and styles to complement your home's architecture and design.

 Want the containers that make successful Autumn gardening easy? Check out our Root Pouch grow bag range and see how they can make a difference in your garden. Our Raised Garden beds can create mini farms where nothing has grown before!