Autumn offers the ideal opportunity to move perennials, so that they are protected going into winter and will flower profusely again in spring. By carefully moving your plants to a better spot in the garden, you ensure they are better able to withstand frost and poor drainage. This article provides autumn gardening tips on which perennials are best to move, where to place them for the winter, and how to go about this efficiently using the right gardening tools from Sneeboer. This way, you can prepare your garden perfectly for the colder months.
Which perennials should I move and which ones should I leave where they are?
Not all perennials have the same needs in winter. Some varieties are quite hardy, whilst others are more delicate and thrive best in a sheltered spot.
Hardy plants such as hellebores and ornamental grasses can easily be left in place. These plants often have deep roots and sturdy structures that protect them from cold temperatures and wintry conditions. Ornamental grasses also absorb extra moisture, which can be useful during droughts, and the roots of these plants penetrate deep into the soil, which increases their chances of survival in winter.
On the other hand, less hardy varieties require more attention. Agapanthus, dahlias and young perennials that have not yet established deep roots may benefit from being moved. They need a sheltered spot to prevent frost from damaging their roots. Plants currently in a spot where the soil drains poorly, such as in wet areas of the garden, are also best moved to a drier spot. Wet roots can rot, and that is exactly what you want to avoid in winter.
The best spot for transplanted perennials
When moving perennials, it is important to choose a spot that offers protection from the winter elements. A sheltered spot out of the wind, such as against a south-facing wall, is ideal. Here, plants benefit from the heat that the wall absorbs during the day and releases in the evening. This can make all the difference on cold nights.
It is also important that the soil is well-drained. Too much moisture in the soil can damage your plants’ roots, especially during the winter months when water drains away more slowly. Consider using a raised bed or planting under trees or shrubs. The leaves that fall from the trees provide natural protection against the cold and prevent the soil from freezing too quickly.
If you move your plants to a spot where they will get enough light and protection during the winter, you will significantly increase their chances of survival. This is particularly important for younger plants and less hardy varieties.
How can you move perennials effectively?
Moving perennials may seem like a big job, but with the right approach and the right tools, it’s a relatively simple task. By taking action in the autumn, you give your plants the best chance of becoming well-established before the frost sets in.
- Transplanting spade for precision work: The Sneeboer transplanting spade is the perfect tool for this job. This narrow spade with a long handle allows you to dig around the plant without damaging the roots. Dig well around the plant and lift it out of the ground with a good clump of soil. By keeping a large proportion of the roots intact, you minimise the shock the plant experiences during transplanting. A strong root ball ensures that the plant will recover more quickly in its new spot.
- Hand tools for smaller plants: For smaller plants in borders or pots, Sneeboer’s hand tools offer an excellent solution. With the hand seedling spade or a hand fork, you can work with precision without disturbing the surrounding plants. These gardening tools are ideal for gardeners who enjoy precision work, even in the densest borders.
- Flower pot knife for potted plants: For potted plants that you want to move to another spot in the garden or protect from the winter in a greenhouse, the Sneeboer flower pot knife is an indispensable tool. The roots of potted plants often grow firmly against the sides of the pot. The pot knife allows you to cut these roots loose without damaging the plant or the pot. This prevents the roots from breaking, which would adversely affect the plant’s health.
Timing and preparation: the key to success
Moving perennials requires good timing and preparation. The best time to do this is when the plants have stopped growing, but before the frost sets in. In autumn, plants direct their energy downwards, towards the roots, which means they are better able to withstand being moved. Choose a day when the soil is still soft, but not too wet from rainfall.
Dig up the plants as carefully as possible so as not to damage the roots, and make sure the root ball remains intact. Before moving the plant to its new spot, it is important to prepare the soil there properly. Dig a generous planting hole and, if necessary, add compost to enrich the soil.
The importance of good drainage
Drainage plays a crucial role when moving perennials in the autumn. If your plants are in poorly drained soil, there is a risk that their roots will absorb too much water, which can lead to root rot. This happens particularly during wet winters when rainfall increases and the soil is unable to dry out sufficiently.
A simple solution is to create a raised border or add sand and gravel to the bottom of the planting hole, so that excess water can drain away more easily. These small adjustments will help protect your plants and ensure healthy growth in the spring.
Sneeboer gardening tools: the perfect partner for every gardener
Moving perennials requires skill, and nothing makes it easier than the right tools. Sneeboer offers a wide range of handcrafted gardening tools that are both robust and efficient. Every tool, from the transplanting spade to the pot knife, is crafted with care and will last for generations.
By investing in high-quality Sneeboer gardening tools, you’ll make gardening easier and more enjoyable. These are not only handy for moving plants, but also for all your other gardening tasks. Every tool is designed with precision and ease of use in mind, ensuring you always achieve the best results.
Autumn gardening tips: Prepare your garden for a blooming spring
By taking the right steps in autumn, such as moving perennials, you can ensure that your garden goes into winter in good shape and is ready to come back to life in the spring. With the right techniques and Sneeboer’s high-quality gardening tools, you can move your plants efficiently and without causing any damage. This way, you’ll maintain your garden’s vitality and enjoy a beautiful display of blooms next season.
Are you ready to move your perennials? Discover Sneeboer’s full range, including transplanting spades, hand tools and pot knives, and give your garden the best start for next spring.
Wondering what gardening tasks need to be done before autumn? Read our summer gardening tips on harvesting and maintenance in June, July and August.