Benefits of Fall Planting

Fall brings more than glorious color and crisp mornings – it also brings the best time for planting new perennials, shrubs and trees in the garden. Here are a few reasons why fall planting is so beneficial.

• Planting perennials in the fall gives them time to establish healthy root systems.

New perennials planted in the spring must survive summer heat and stress with very young root systems while still producing enough nutrients to support months of growth and flowering. By planting shrubs and trees in the fall, roots have a chance to grow all autumn, and most of the winter as well, without having to supply nourishment for the busy growing season as well. Roots of fall planted plants will continue growing as long as the ground temperature is above 50 degrees Farenheit which can give them several months of head start growth time.

• Plants put in the ground in the fall need less water to establish.

All plants need plenty of water while they are in the ‚”establishment” stage and growing strong root systems through the surrounding soil, however by planting in the fall gardeners will conserve water without the heat of summer stressing the plants. Plants themselves use less water since photosynthesis is slowed by shorter days. Evaporation rates slow down during the fall so water in the soil lasts longer as well.

• Fall is a great time to find garden specials, bargains, discount plants and package deals.

Many gardening companies offer fall specials on trees, shrubs and otherwise pricey perennials during the fall planting season to encourage gardeners to plant at that time. An autumn gardener can save hundreds on a large landscape project by planning during the heat of summer and buying their large plants during fall savings bargains! For example, a mail order gardening company recently sent out a notice about 1 gallon perennials that were 75% if ordered this fall versus waiting until next spring.

• Perennials and bulbs can be planted together without damaging established root systems.

Instead of digging through perennial plants that have been in the ground for several months to layer bulbs, a fall gardener can plant everything at the same time. Not only will this save transplant shock on sensitive perennials, but time and energy for the autumn gardener as well!

Having established that fall planting can be a very beneficial thing there are certain plants that don’t take kindly to later planting. Ground covers generally prefer to be planted earlier in the year rather than later fall planting. Also, acidic loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons don’t always take as well to being planted in the fall.

Take advantage of the garden discounts and plant bargains available, the wonderful weather autumn days bring, and the fabulous fall color outdoors and tackle many of your gardening projects this fall!