In recent years, the rhythm of the gardening calendar seems to have shifted. Today, as soon as the first signs of spring emerge, eager garden enthusiasts rush outside, eagerly planning and planting for their dream garden. This is a notable departure from days of old when spring was merely a secondary season, ideal for planting select species, but not the prime season for most of the gardening work. It used to be said that "the gardening year begins in the fall," and remarkably, this remains true. Even though garden centers and big-box stores would prefer us to shift our focus to spring, where they can display an array of alluring flowering plants to captivate our attention.
This obsession with spring planting has also skewed our plant choices, causing spring to be the dominant season in our gardens, with many gardens devoid of any blooms come summer or fall. To the contrary, fall is undeniably the most advantageous planting season, both for financial and practical reasons, which we'll delve into.
Plant in Warm, Inviting Soil
In many regions, the onset of fall is heralded by a period of refreshing rain. Once the skies clear, the nights grow cooler, and the days become milder. The searing summer heat has dissipated, but the weather remains perfect for outdoor endeavors. Moreover, there's a subtle yet crucial advantage that often goes unnoticed – the soil has accumulated a deep reservoir of warmth during the summer months. This warm, now moistened soil, due to the fall rains, offers an ideal environment for root development. Nature herself recognizes this phenomenon, with many plants, from your lawn grasses to the bulbs you plant in the fall, programmed to send out an abundance of new roots during this season, into the welcoming embrace of warm, moist soil.
This stands in stark contrast to the conditions in spring, especially in cooler regions. Months of frigid weather push the temperature to, and sometimes below, freezing. Continuous rain and melting snow saturate the soil with water, displacing oxygen and putting beneficial soil microbes into a deep slumber. Even as the air temperature gradually rises, and the days grow longer, the soil remains damp and cold for weeks. Such conditions are unfavorable for plant growth, leading newly-planted shrubs and trees to languish, even as their buds attempt new growth. The result can be weak and faltering new growth, and in some cases, dieback. The common impulse to intensify watering, thinking that the plants are parched, often exacerbates the situation by further diminishing oxygen levels in the soil.
In the fall, these issues are non-existent. The soil is warm and moist but rarely waterlogged. Beneficial microbes are actively nurturing the soil, releasing nutrients and optimizing growth conditions. Any fertilizers you apply will quickly become available to your new plants. Simply put, fall soil is the epitome of the ideal planting medium.
Fall Planting Promotes Robust Roots
Moreover, with their dormant buds for the following season, most plants aren't inclined to produce new shoots in the fall. Instead, all their energy and resources are dedicated to root growth. This is precisely what trees and shrubs planted in the fall do with enthusiasm. They rapidly extend their roots into the carefully prepared soil, firmly anchoring themselves to withstand strong winds. This extensive root system, established during this period, ensures that when spring arrives, the plant has ample roots to absorb the water and nutrients needed for its new spring growth. This results in vibrant shoots that quickly add inches or feet to your plants. As these plants are better established, they require less watering and attention, though ongoing care is still essential as the weather warms up.
Savings and Discounts
Everyone appreciates saving money, and gardeners are no exception. While the immediate cost savings from fall discounts are evident, there are further financial advantages. Nurseries have nurtured these plants throughout the season, yet they often maintain their spring prices, despite the fact that they have undergone an entire season's worth of growth. Most nurseries will transplant their plants in late fall, and come spring, these plants, even without additional growth, will be sold at a higher price due to their increased size. Therefore, when you choose to plant in the fall, you acquire larger plants, realizing even greater savings than initially apparent – it's a win-win situation.
A Few Considerations
Despite the numerous benefits, there are some precautions to bear in mind when undertaking fall planting. Evergreens, in particular, can be vulnerable in very cold regions, as their limited root growth makes them more susceptible to winter burn. This condition arises from the ground freezing, hindering water uptake and causing the foliage to desiccate due to cold, dry winter winds. If you reside in cold zones, like zones 2 to 5, fall planting of deciduous trees and shrubs is consistently advisable. However, if you opt for evergreens, it's wise to take a few protective measures.
For example, deeply water your new plants just before the ground freezes. Additionally, apply mulch around the roots, a practice recommended for all new plantings, as it keeps the soil warmer and minimizes the severity of frost. For evergreens near the edge of their hardiness range in your zone, consider using an anti-desiccant spray. Apply this spray in late fall, as late as possible but when daytime temperatures remain above freezing. Reapply if there is a mid-winter thaw followed by rain, which can wash off the spray, leaving your plants vulnerable when the cold returns.
The Case for Fall Planting
Even from a pragmatic standpoint, fall often avoids the frequent rain and cold spells of spring that can make gardening less enjoyable than it should be. There's something magical about planting a tree in the fall, surrounded by golden leaves, signifying a fresh start. Each tree represents a promise for the future – that the future will indeed arrive and be promising. So, venture out, go shopping, and get planting – once you experience fall planting, you'll wonder why you didn't adopt this approach sooner.
We hope this was useful. If you ever need to talk about anything House. Do not hesitate to reach out.
- Mynor & Associates
