The HTA will aim to get the nation planting this Autumn with its ‘million planting moments’ campaign.

Taking place between 19-27 September 2020, the aim of the week is to encourage everyone , whether young or old, expert or novice, to plant at the traditional ‘natural’ planting time of year. The week culminates in Million Planting Moments Day on Sunday 27 September.

The campaign, during the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), builds on the momentum around tree planting in the UK, reinforcing the message that all plants make a positive contribution to mitigating the impact of climate change. It also provides an opportunity to highlight to consumers the importance of plant health.

Consumers will be encouraged to visit their local garden centre for expert knowledge and advice on the best types of plant to choose depending on soil, site and space available.

HTA President Boyd Douglas-Davies comments, “By creating a ‘#MillionPlantingMoments’ we are highlighting the huge contribution that plants make to our health and wellbeing, environment and communities. The beauty of the campaign is that anyone can take part, whether they have access to a community space, garden, patio or window box and can plant anything from trees and shrubs to perennials and bedding.

“Taking place at nature’s natural time for planting we encourage consumers to visit their local garden centre to find out the best plants for their space and share their #MillionPlantingMoments on social media.”

In support of the campaign, Defra’s chief plant health officer, Nicola Spence said: “Our world is much smaller than it once was and increasing globalisation and environmental change have huge implications for the health of the world’s plants. So it’s great to see that the HTA is encouraging safe sourcing and planting to ensure that the UK’s future plants and trees are kept pest and disease-free, through its ‘million planting moments’ campaign.

“From considering soil, site and space, the HTA’s advice will prove invaluable for budding gardeners homing healthy plants nationwide.”

Consumers can contribute photos of their planting moments using #MillionPlantingMoments, #IYPH2020 and #PlantHealth

Key facts on plants and planting:

• One medium-sized shrub can capture 30 diesel cars’ worth of pollution each year.
• The cooling effect of green space in urban areas was reported to reduce average temperatures in the UK’s major city regions by 0.63 to 0.88⁰C.
• Over three years, a single mature oak tree produces enough oxygen to keep you alive for a year.
• Research has shown that every 10% increase in exposure to green spaces translates into an improvement in health equivalent to being 5 years younger.
• Scents can connect people directly to nature and the environment, having a significant positive effect on emotions and memory recall.
• Digging burns an average of 186 calories per 30 minutes – that is more than playing Badminton which burns 167 calories per 30 minutes.