Fall is a great time to
plant perennials and shrubs for a number of reasons. The milder fall temperatures
are just what roots need to grow and establish. Soil temperatures tend to be a
little warmer in late fall then in early spring. Even when the air temperatures
drop to below freezing and the visible part of the plant has gone dormant, the
ground temperature will generally stay warm enough that the roots will continue
to grow. All of your planting will look
better in the spring because the initial root growth has already happened.
They’re established and will start to grow as soon as temperatures are right in
the spring. Fall air temperatures are generally cooler, so the plant retains
more moisture. There is less flowering so the plant is able to produce and
store more “food” in the root system. Another reason fall is a great time to
plant is your soil is generally drier than it is in the spring. You can dig in
it, add amendments and generally work your soil better when it is drier.
Look
for products which contain compost and peat moss. Coconut coir is also a good
soil amendment.
Add some root stimulator or root enhancing mycorrhizae will you’re
preparing your soil.
In addition to trees and shrubs, some plants are meant to
be planted in the fall. Tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs are
planted in the fall when they are dormant. Pansies planted in the fall will
bloom into winter and then re-bloom in the spring. Cool season vegetables such
as lettuce and spinach thrive in the fall garden. So grab your tools and let’s do some planting.
