Why We Plant in the Fall

It's simple. Putting in plants now takes full advantage of the cooler weather. The best reason, though, for planting now is what takes place in root systems...

Papaver orientalis 'Brilliant'
Item # 74863 		Papaver orientale 'Brilliant'
'Brilliant' Oriental Poppy

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Poppy Sampler
Item # C0033 		Poppy Sampler

Sampler $34.95
Special Aquilegia Sampler Collection
Item # 99509 		Aquilegia Sampler

Each $35.44
2 or more $29.44
  • Topic: Fall Gardening
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: fall color, fall planting, Fall Gardening, gardens, late summer
  • Date: August 2006

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It’s simple. Putting in plants now takes full advantage of the cooler weather.

  • The soil remains warm as day and night temperatures cool.
  • Gentle breezes replace high winds so soil doesn’t dry out as quickly.
  • As plants begin to go dormant, they use less water.

The best reason, though, for planting now is what takes place in root systems.

Trees, shrubs and perennials planted in the autumn have ample time to establish strong roots. This gives them a much better chance at surviving harsh winters. And gives them a head start come spring time.

Late summer and fall is also when most of the growth occurs. It’s estimated that 80% of root growth occurs in the late summer and fall. Until the soil freezes, roots continue storing nutrients to get them through the winter.

Compared to spring-planted perennials, which often suffer a period of transplant shock, plants installed in the fall have both substantial root growth and more vigorous top growth and flowering that first planting season.

Perennials recommended for Fall Planting

  • “Poppies (Papaver”) are super cold-hardy that transplant best in the fall in even the coldest areas.
  • “Columbine (Aquilegia)” are also excellent because they bloom well the next spring after fall planting.
  • “Stonecrops (Sedum)” are beautiful late summer-early fall bloomers that enjoy fall planting in even the coldest areas.

Fall is also a good time to add substance to a garden. This means working in ornamental grasses and woody plants that have fruit and fall foliage.

After 4 to 8 weeks roots should be well situated, especially if liquid Seaweed and Superthrive root stimulator is used several times after transplanting. Once a plant is established, watering frequency can be reduced. When the soil begins to freeze, soak it once every 2-3 weeks through the winter months, except when it is very cold and the ground is frozen solid.

And that’s it in a nutshell. Fall planting is the best way to have an “instant” garden when the next growing season starts.