As summer fades and the vegetable garden begins to slow down, many gardeners assume that the growing season is coming to an end. However, autumn is actually one of the best times of year to plant many soft fruits.
The soil remains warm from summer, rainfall is usually more reliable, and plants have plenty of time to establish roots before spring arrives. By planting fruit bushes and runners in autumn, you’ll often enjoy stronger growth, healthier plants and earlier harvests the following year.
Even if your garden is small, many soft fruits can be grown successfully in containers, raised beds, hanging baskets or mixed borders.
Here are three of my favourite soft fruits to plant in autumn, along with advice on growing them successfully in the UK.
Why Plant Soft Fruit in Autumn?
Autumn planting offers several advantages:
- Soil temperatures remain warm enough for root growth.
- Plants establish before winter dormancy.
- Less watering is required than in summer.
- Spring growth is often stronger and more vigorous.
- Earlier harvests are common the following season.
- Garden centres frequently reduce prices at the end of the growing season.
For many fruit crops, autumn is arguably a better planting season than spring.
Blueberries
Blueberries have become one of the most popular garden fruits in recent years, and with good reason.
These attractive shrubs produce delicious berries packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial compounds. They are often referred to as a “superfruit” and are surprisingly easy to grow once their basic requirements are understood.
Why Grow Blueberries?
Blueberries offer:
- Excellent flavour.
- High antioxidant content.
- Attractive spring flowers.
- Spectacular autumn foliage.
- Reliable crops for many years.
- Suitability for containers.
In autumn, blueberry leaves often turn brilliant shades of scarlet, crimson and orange, making them just as ornamental as many decorative shrubs.
The small white flowers that appear in spring resemble heather blooms and are often lightly scented.
Growing Blueberries Successfully
The key to growing blueberries is acidic soil.
If your garden soil is alkaline or chalky, don’t worry. Blueberries perform exceptionally well in containers filled with ericaceous compost.
I grow mine in large clay pots positioned among my ornamental borders. Not only do they produce excellent crops, but they also provide year-round structure and interest.
For best results:
- Plant in full sun or light shade.
- Use ericaceous compost.
- Water regularly during dry weather.
- Mulch annually with composted bark.
- Grow at least two varieties for improved pollination.
Harvest Period
Most varieties crop between July and September.
A mature bush can produce several kilograms of fruit each season.
Goji Berries
Goji berries have gained popularity thanks to their reputation as a nutrient-rich “superfruit”.
Fortunately, they’re also one of the easiest fruiting plants to grow in the UK.
Why Grow Goji Berries?
Goji berries are:
- Extremely hardy.
- Drought tolerant.
- Easy to grow.
- Attractive in the garden.
- Productive for many years.
Once established, goji plants require very little maintenance.
Growing Goji Berries
Goji plants naturally develop long arching stems that can become quite sprawling if left unmanaged.
I have planted mine alongside a hedge where they are free to climb and spread naturally. They integrate beautifully into mixed hedgerows and produce attractive purple flowers during summer.
For smaller gardens, train plants against:
- Fences
- Trellis
- Wires
- Pergolas
This makes harvesting easier and keeps growth tidy.
Harvest Period
The bright red berries are usually ready from late summer through into autumn.
Plants often begin producing worthwhile crops within a couple of years of planting.
Strawberries
If I could only grow one soft fruit, strawberries would be difficult to beat.
Freshly picked strawberries bear little resemblance to many supermarket varieties. The flavour is sweeter, the aroma is stronger and the fruit is often considerably juicier.
They are also among the easiest fruits to grow.
Why Grow Strawberries?
Strawberries are:
- Easy to grow.
- Suitable for small gardens.
- Highly productive.
- Popular with children.
- Perfect for containers.
My own strawberry patch is always popular with the family. Keeping children away from ripe strawberries can sometimes be more challenging than growing them!
Where Can You Grow Strawberries?
One of the biggest advantages of strawberries is their versatility.
They can be grown in:
- Raised beds
- Traditional vegetable plots
- Containers
- Window boxes
- Hanging baskets
- Strawberry towers
This makes them ideal for gardeners with limited space.
Best Conditions
For maximum yields:
- Choose a sunny location.
- Provide shelter from strong winds.
- Improve drainage if necessary.
- Mulch around plants to keep fruit clean.
Perpetual Strawberries
Perpetual (everbearing) varieties are particularly useful because they produce fruit over a much longer season.
Many varieties will crop continuously from June until October.
Other Soft Fruits Worth Planting in Autumn
While blueberries, goji berries and strawberries are excellent choices, autumn is also a great time to plant:
Raspberries
Easy to grow and productive even in small spaces.
Blackberries
Modern thornless varieties are vigorous and easy to manage.
Gooseberries
One of the most reliable fruits for UK gardens.
Redcurrants
Excellent for jams, jellies and summer desserts.
Blackcurrants
Highly productive and rich in vitamin C.
Tayberries
A delicious cross between raspberries and blackberries.
Growing Soft Fruit in Containers
Limited space should never stop you growing fruit.
Many soft fruits thrive in containers, including:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Gooseberries
- Currants
- Compact raspberry varieties
Container-grown fruit allows gardeners to:
- Grow on patios.
- Garden on balconies.
- Improve soil conditions.
- Move plants if required.
Just remember that container-grown plants require more frequent watering than those growing in open ground.
Autumn Fruit Planting Calendar
September
- Plant strawberries.
- Plant blueberries.
- Prepare new fruit beds.
October
- Plant fruit bushes.
- Improve soil with compost.
- Mulch established plants.
November
- Continue planting while soil remains workable.
- Install supports and trellis systems.
December
- Complete planting before severe weather arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autumn the best time to plant fruit bushes?
For many soft fruits, yes. Warm soil and cooler weather encourage strong root development before winter.
Can blueberries grow in pots?
Absolutely. In fact, blueberries are often easier to grow in containers because you can provide the acidic compost they require.
Do goji berries need full sun?
They prefer a sunny position but will tolerate light shade.
How long do strawberries produce fruit?
Most plants crop heavily for two to three years before needing replacement.
Should strawberries be planted in autumn or spring?
Autumn planting often results in stronger plants and earlier crops.
Which fruit is easiest to grow for beginners?
Strawberries are usually the easiest choice, followed closely by blackcurrants and gooseberries.
Can I grow fruit in a small garden?
Yes. Most soft fruits can be grown successfully in containers, raised beds or trained against fences.
Further Reading
More Fruit Growing Guides from The Allotment Garden
Recommended External Resources
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – Growing Soft Fruit
- RHS – Growing Blueberries
- Garden Organic – Fruit Growing Guides
Final Thoughts
Autumn is one of the most overlooked seasons in the gardening calendar. While many gardeners are busy clearing beds and preparing for winter, it’s actually the ideal time to establish fruit plants that will reward you for years to come.
Whether you choose blueberries in containers, goji berries along a hedge or a productive strawberry patch, planting now will help ensure stronger growth, healthier plants and earlier harvests next season.
A little effort in autumn can provide years of delicious home-grown fruit.
