We just finished our fall plant sale last weekend and I had many people ask if this is a good time to plant. My answer was “No. It is a GREAT time to plant!” In fact, it’s a perfect time to plant just about anything (other than annuals).
I don’t know why this fall planting message is not resonating with all gardeners. We may be worn out from managing the plants we installed in the spring or we are busy with other things and not focused on what our gardens will need next spring. Whatever the justifications, here are my reasons why you will be rewarded for working on your native landscape this fall:
A wildflower display at our front entrance, the first spring after a fall planting.
#1 Warm Soils
Because the soil is still warm from the summer, the roots will continue to develop until the first frost. In our area, this occurs around mid-October. However, trees and shrubs will root until the grounds freezes. In the spring, these plants will have developed root systems that are actively growing and ready to produce flowers and survive the hot summer months. Last fall, we planted twenty-five butterfly milkweed and twenty-three survived the winter. Most of these plants bloomed this summer.
#2 Reduced stress
Transplanting causes stress on plants as they are introduced to a new environment. This shock is reduced by planting in the fall because the plant is entering dormancy. The growth is moving from above ground to below ground and root systems are storing energy reserves for next year. Fall transplants have this vital time for root development before winter. Transplanting in the spring, on the other hand, causes additional stress and plants may hardly recover from transplant shock before the demands of summer are realized. The overall plant health is improved for next year by starting with transplanting this fall.
#3 Less weed competition
We have found that when planting in September there are fewer problems with weeds such as crabgrass and foxtail. This allows plants to get a head start for next season without competing with problematic weeds. Remember to mulch around the plants after the first freeze to help moderate soil temperatures, control winter annual weeds such as henbit, and hold soil moisture through the winter. Keep mulch away from the base of plants to allow proper air exchange.
#4 Beneficial Rains
Warm days and cool nights provide an ideal environment for transplanting and growth. Typically, fall brings several cool, cloudy days with frequent precipitation. Warm sunny days can cause stress on new transplants. Cooler nights and morning dew allow plants to recover each night. Beneficial autumn rains eliminate some daily watering.
The arboretum parking lot median was planted in September.
Here at the arboretum, we prefer to plant in the fall because we have more time and have seen the benefits first hand. We are usually very busy in the spring readying the gardens. It is nice to see plants that were started in the fall jumping to life and even blooming.
Whenever you plant, whether spring or fall, the ultimate goal is to create a landscape you can enjoy. Take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.