Why Is Fall the Best Time to Plant?
By Lori Thomas, President of Hall County Master Gardeners
The simple answer is that planting in Fall means less stress for plants and less stress for gardeners. Read on for tips on getting the most from Fall planting.
In the Spring, when daylight hours are getting longer and warm breezes blow, gardeners swarm into their gardens like bees to sunflowers. However, in the Fall, after a long hot summer and the plants are fading, gardeners can feel like giving up, and they retreat from the garden. The reality is that most trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials grow better when they are planted in Fall.
In Fall, the soil is warm and stays warm well into December. By planting in September, hardy plants can get an extra season of growth in, with the energy of the plant being focused on developing a strong root system, rather than spring-planted plants which have to devote their energy to growing leaves and flowers. This “roots before shoots” approach means plants are at their best to burst forward with lush growth in the spring.
In Fall, the air temperatures drop and the sun is less intense, which reduces the water needs of the plants. As the leaves drop from deciduous plants, that further reduces the amount of water the plants need.
With the onset of frost, many garden weeds, pests and diseases are reduced dramatically, which removes stress from newly-planted trees, shrubs, and perennials. Rather than using energy to combat sucking insects and fungal diseases, the plants can build up their reserves over the winter.
The need for plant maintenance in the Fall is reduced. All plants should be watered well when planted. If the ground is particularly dry, it is helpful to fill the planting hole completely with water and allow it to drain completely into the surrounding soil before putting the new plant into the hole, backfilling with dirt, and watering thoroughly. A layer of mulch will keep the soil warm and moist. Monitor the plant, and water only when the top couple of inches of soil is dry, which may be infrequently if at all during the winter.
While pruning out dead, diseased, and broken limbs can be done anytime during the year, it is best to avoid heavy pruning in Fall. Pruning sends a signal to the plant to put on new growth, and that tender new growth will not have a chance to harden off before cold weather hits. If a new plant is not shaped quite to your liking, wait until late winter (February) while the plant is still dormant to do the pruning, or prune the plant in the early spring after last frost.
Along with reduced maintenance requirements, gardeners also benefit from more comfortable temperatures while working in the garden in the Fall. It is win-win!
Trying to figure out what to plant in the Fall? Take a look at your garden – what grew well, and which plants struggled or died? Where do you have blank spots? With notes in hand, head to the Hall County Master Gardeners Fall Garden Expo on September 25/26 (Friday/Saturday) to talk with the experts. With over 50 garden vendors, you can get ideas on how to brighten your landscape and you can choose from hundreds of locally-grown plants that will thrive in your garden. Educational sessions are an important feature of the Garden Expos. The 11 AM educational session on Friday, September 25, will be “Why Plant in the Fall?” taught by Master Gardener Barbara Jones. For more information, visit https://www.hallmastergardeners.com/garden-expo.
As well, you can attend “What to Plant in Fall” on September 15 at 2:00 at the Spout Springs Library. Master Gardener Anita House will share suggestions and tips for Fall planting. For information about this and other Gardening with the Masters classes, visit https://www.hallmastergardeners.com/classes.
Plant in the Fall, Smile in the Spring! Happy Gardening!
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