Gardening For Fall Tips
Wouldn’t you agree that most think Spring is the best time to plant? For the most part this is very true.
However the Fall provides a great opportunity to get an early start with shrubs, perennials and trees.
As Fall comes around the temperature is much cooler than the previous summer season which places less stress on your plants when you plant them. They won’t have to deal with the harsh sun and temperatures.
As the air cools the ground generally will stay warm which provide the perfect conditions for rooting.
The keys to doing this correctly is to get the plants in the ground at a minimum of 6 weeks before you are expecting the ground to freeze. (Obviously this will depend on what region you live in).
Once planted you will want to put in a top layer of mulch such as bark chips, shredded leaves, or maybe some straw.
This will conserve the moisture and will help prevent the stress of the plant with the winter freeze/thaw cycle.
You will also want to keep the plants watered and moist until the ground freezes.
Doing this will give your plant a good start – and dont be upset if you don’t see much growth at this point- this is normal.
The main growth that is occuring will be underground. As the plants build a strong root base.
Then once the freeze period is gone your plants should have a nice strong root base and be ready for growth above the ground.
In addition to these tips – Fall is also a good time to think about and research what you want to plant next spring.
Since once spring hits you will most likely be busy and out and about enjoying the weather.
Top Plants to plant During The Fall Season
Keeping on the theme of Fall – let’s look at the top 5 plants to plant during the fall season.
1. Pansies and Violas
Fall is the best time to plant pansies and their smaller cousin violas.
With the cooler weather and the soil which is still warm gives these flowers the perfect time to grow strong roots for the winter.
An added bonus with this is you can enjoy their bloom twice. Once in the fall and then again in the Spring.
2. Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs require a cool period in order to bloom. Because of this if you plant during the fall the bulbs will have plenty of cold during the winter months and be ready to go for spring.
Many bulbs will come in different colors and sizes which gives you a ton of variety when designing your spring garden.
3. Trees and Shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs in the fall season allows them to get well suited to their new environment without the shock of heat and the replant.
The warm soil makes it perfect for them to adapt to the surroundings. Make sure to keep them watered until the ground freezes.
4. Perennials
Autumn is the perfect time to add to your collection of perennials or even replant your existing plants.
Make sure to keep them watered and moist up until the ground freezes.
Also be sure to cover them with a thick layer of mulch to protect them from the cold weather.
5. Grass
Last but not least if you are looking to upgrade your lawn or fill in those bald patches that were overused during the summer now is the perfect time to do it.
This can be done with sod or new seed. If adding new seeds make sure to lay the seed and then cover with some soil and lightly adding compost or straw on top will add some additional benefits.
The Do’s and Don'ts for Fall Clean up
Do: (most of this will apply to locations where there is a freeze during the winter)
-Mark the location of your perennials so you can easily find them after the winter
-Trim your perennial stems down to 2 to 3 inches
-Put down compost around your perennials, shrubs and trees to supply nutrients to the plants and to keep the soil warmer during the freeze
-Continue to water up until the freeze
-Trim any dead branches from shrubs and your trees.
-Drain any irrigation to prevent pipe breaks
-Once the ground freezes add another layer of mulch to add additional warmth
Don’ts:
-Don’t add any more fertilizer as this can disrupt the plant naturalizing for the winter process.
-As mentioned above add mulch but make sure not to do it before the freeze. When soil starts to cool it helps the plants enter their winter phase doing to soon can interrupt this process
-Don’t get rid of fallen leaves – these leaves contain valuable nutrients for your soil. A good tip is to mow over them without a bag so they disperse over the land. Another option is to rake them up and put them in a compost pile
-Some planters and pots are weatherproof but many are not. So don’t leave soil in your planters as they can freeze and break the pots.
