The fact that the flowers are running to seed tells us something useful. It tells us that seeds are being formed and have probably already started to drop to the ground – which is pretty much the same as what we gardeners do when sowing them. So let’s do exactly that.
But first, a reminder: we’re talking about hardy annuals here, not asters, zinnias, petunias or pelargoniums, as these are not frost hardy. I’m talking about frost-hardy annuals that you can sow in September and which will have germinated before the cold weather sets in so they have to take the frost when it comes.
Ideal sowing time
The trick is to sow the seeds early enough so that they develop resilient young plants before winter, but not so early that they become large and unmanageable when they surge into growth in spring. I had 6ft (1.8m) larkspurs one year, from sowing too early in the autumn. It was almost impossible to keep the plants from falling over.
September sowing also has the advantage that, compared with March or April, the soil is warm after the summer so the seeds germinate much more quickly, and they get ahead of the slugs.
Leaves develop
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters