Get a Head Start on Spring: Your Autumn Planting Guide for Rainford & Merseyside Gardens
Get a Head Start on Spring: Your Autumn Planting Guide for Rainford & Merseyside Gardens
As the end of September brings a familiar chill to the air here in Lydiate, it’s easy to think that the gardening season is winding down. The summer crops have been harvested, the leaves are starting to turn, and the temptation is to tidy everything away until next year.
But here at The Green Corner, we know a local secret: autumn isn’t the end of the gardening year; it’s the beginning of the next one! The work you do in your garden now, in late September and October, is your ticket to a spectacular spring display and an incredibly early harvest next year.
This is the perfect time to get planting in your West Lancashire garden. The soil is still warm and moist, giving roots a chance to establish themselves before the winter cold truly sets in.
Why Bother Planting in Autumn?
Putting in a little effort now pays off massively. Plants established in autumn develop strong root systems over the winter, giving them a huge head start over anything planted in the busy spring. This means earlier flowers, bigger harvests, and less work for you when spring finally arrives.
What to Plant NOW in Your Lydiate Garden
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here are our top picks for what you should be planting right now in the Merseyside and West Lancashire area.
1. Garlic: The Easiest Crop You’ll Ever Grow
If you plant one thing this autumn, make it garlic. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and varieties like ‘Solent Wight’ or ‘Early Purple Wight’ are perfectly suited to our North West climate.
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How to Plant: Simply separate a bulb into individual cloves. Plant each clove, pointy-end up, about 15cm (6 inches) apart and 2-3cm deep.
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Local Tip: Our local Lydiate soil is generally quite fertile, but garlic hates sitting in waterlogged ground over winter. If you have heavy clay soil, add some grit to the planting hole to improve drainage.
2. Onions, Shallots, and Spring Onions
Just like garlic, overwintering onion and shallot sets are planted in autumn for an early summer harvest. Look for varieties specifically labelled for autumn planting, such as ‘Senshyu Yellow’ onions or ‘Echalote Grise’ shallots. You can also sow winter-hardy spring onion seeds now for a welcome taste of freshness in early spring.
3. Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Your Promise of Colour
Nothing lifts the spirits after a long winter like the first sight of daffodils, crocuses, and tulips. Now is the ideal time to get them in the ground.
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Daffodils & Crocuses: Plant these anytime from now until the first frosts. They are incredibly reliable and a must-have for any Lydiate garden or pot display.
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Tulips: It's best to wait until late October or November to plant tulips. This later planting helps to avoid a fungal disease called Tulip Fire, which can be more prevalent in damp autumn conditions.
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Planting Tip: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of two to three times their own height.
4. Hardy Winter Salads
Your salad days don't have to be over! In a sheltered spot, a greenhouse, or a cold frame, you can sow seeds for winter lettuce varieties like 'Arctic King', as well as spinach, lamb's lettuce, and mustard greens to keep you supplied with fresh leaves through the cooler months.
Come and See Us at The Green Corner!
Reading about it is one thing, but the best way to get started is to get the right supplies. We have just had a fresh delivery of beautiful spring-flowering bulbs, seed garlic, and autumn onion sets right here in our Rainford shop.
Our team is always on hand to help you choose the perfect varieties for your garden, offer advice on soil preparation, and answer any questions you might have. Pop in this week and let’s get your garden ready for a spectacular 2026!
Happy autumn planting!