Edge Of The Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLC

Specializing in plants native to mid-Atlantic ecosystem

Fall is for Planting. Yes. Really!!

As summer wanes, we often get the question, is it too late to plant? And the answer is no, it’s not too late to plant!  In fact, it is one of the best times to plant. And you can enjoy fall blooms in the process!  Picture above is fall blooming New England Aster.

Why Fall?

One obvious reason to plant in the fall is that you have been through the season, and know what you would like to add and tweak.  Do it while it’s fresh in your mind.

Because temperatures have dropped, transplanting is less stressful on the plants — and on you! The lower temperatures make watering easier — plants will still need watering until established. In the fall, perhaps once a week will be enough, as opposed to every other day in the heat of the summer. Feel the soil a few inches below the service and if it is dry, water.  It’s always best to water slowly and deeply.

Soil temperatures are warmer in the fall than in the spring, so root growth will be quicker than in the spring.  You can’t SEE the root growth, but it will be happening.

Don’t worry about a frost here or there.  Frost will stop the growth ABOVE the ground, but the roots will keep growing until the soil freezes solid.

Plus, working out in the garden on a nice, crisp fall day sure is better than digging holes and hauling trees around than in July! Take advantage of the more gentle temperatures this fall, and create a new perennial garden, a diverse hedgerow, or add some trees to your property.
Your new plants will now have two seasons of cool temperatures (fall and next spring) before encountering hot summer weather.

Trees, Shrubs, or Perennials — Does it Matter?

Almost all trees and shrubs can be planted up until the ground freezes.  If you can dig a hole, you can plant!
We don’t recommend planting perennials long after Halloween.  This allows them time to anchor their  roots into the ground before heavy frosts.  Heavy frosts and frozen soil can cause a small plant to heave them out of the ground.  Planting perennials this fall will lead to nicely established plants next spring. In fact, if you’re dreaming of spring blooming plants already, plant them now. That way, they’ll be established and blooming next spring in your garden.

Water

The need for watering may be less in the fall, but you still need to water your plants.  Check the soil moisture with your finger a few inches below the surface.  If its dry, water deeply and thoroughly.  This will give the roots the best chance of establishing before winter.

Mulch

If you are planting in the fall, consider delaying the mulch a bit (as long as its not too hot and dry) . The sun will warm the soil directly, helping root growth even more.  Watch for hot dry spells and water and/or mulch if the weather is scorching.  Be sure to apply the mulch when night time temperatures are 32 or lower and the soil is beginning to freeze.
Mulch will eliminate competition so your new plants can grow to their potential. Leaving newly disturbed soil bare over winter may lead to a rapid germination of weed seeds in the spring.
Sometimes if the soil freezes and thaws, the plant can heave out of the soil.  Mulch will help prevent this.  A light layer of straw over the mulch can help prevent the soil from freezing.  Be sure you are not covering the crown of the plant.  If you do see the root ball heave up, gently press it back. Remove the straw in the spring.

What About Winter?

Fall-planted plants usually won’t require extra watering once dormant. (They do need water while actively growing.)  Snow cover is usually a great protective, insulating blanket for plants.  When they break dormancy in the following spring, their root systems will drink up from the melting snow.
Be sure to water new planted trees and shrubs in early spring as they ‘wake up’ when temperatures start to warm, perhaps even before you see growth.  If there is no snow cover on a warm, sunny day in February or March, make sure the ground is moist.  They may start drawing water up from the soil and will suffer if the soil is dry.

Next Spring

If you plant this fall, next spring you can enjoy the spring weather, watch your new plants blossom, and weed and tweak.  Why wait till spring to plant spring blooming plants?  Plant them now, and they will bloom in your garden next spring!

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Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLC
A WBE Certified Woman Owned Business
Promoting Native Plants Since 2003

2415 Route 100, Orefield, PA 18069
(610) 395-2570
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