'Autumn is the new spring' – forget what the rulebook says, because seasonal gardening is changing

After a summer of unprecedented heat, our typical 'essential' September gardening jobs will look a little different from previous years. After a prolonged drought, gardens most certainly need some extra care and attention this season – something professionals are acutely aware of.

Leigh Hunt, RHS principal horticultural advisor, recalls being 'inundated' with gardening questions on what to do now about the damage caused by persistent hot weather and a lack of rainfall.

He begins by saying, "The reality is, gardens will have to adapt to these conditions," and therefore changing how we garden to acclimatise our plants and consider planting in autumn rather than waiting until spring.

Reasons to plant in autumn rather than spring

"One good tip for future droughts is to plant in autumn," Leigh explains, suggesting an alternative to spring planting. "Things like hardy, drought-tolerant trees and shrubs and perennials can all be planted at this time of year, once the rains return. They'll have time then to get their roots down and establish and survive future droughts much better."

"If you're looking for plants that perform really well in these conditions, here at Wisley we've been pleased with sea hollies and wisteria. Things like the Salvia 'Blue Spire', strawberry trees and ice plants have all been fantastic.

Where you have got some dead or dying plants, Leigh suggests using this as an opportunity to try new drought-tolerant plants that will fare better in years to come when the 'new normal' of hot summers returns.

Spring is historically the most popular time of year for planting, despite the autumn offering many benefits, such as those highlighted by the RHS advice...

• Heat retention: This year more than ever, autumn gardens benefit from the heat after months of warm weather. "Soil holds summer warmth, helping roots grow and settle before winter."
• Climates are more forgiving: "Cooler conditions help plants establish with less stress from heat and drought."
• Additional time means the plants are more established: "Plants build stronger root systems before spring growth begins."
• Watering routines are easier: "Autumn and winter rainfall supports establishment and reduces the need for watering before drier summers."

To save suffering plants now, Leigh recommends moving pots into the shade and using greywater – that's recycled water from the kitchen or bathroom. Of course, these things will have already eased now that the rains have returned, thankfully, so it's time to think about getting some mulch on the ground to help preserve stored water in the soil.

So while it's challenging times for gardeners to know what to do for the best, "by working out what's working and what's not, it's possible to make sure we can carry on gardening and enjoy beautiful thriving gardens."