As summer heat begins to wane, this becomes a perfect time to assess your garden for the year, and make plans for the next year. Working in the garden becomes fun again, and plants get an almost magical head start when you plant them in the fall. Here’s why planting shrubs, perennials, and trees in the fall can be so beneficial.
Fall Planting Allows Them to Establish Their Root System
When a potted plant is put in the ground it has to establish a root system in order to grow in a healthy way. When you plant a perennial in the spring the plant is often trying to bloom AND develop that healthy root system all at the same time. Compared to a fall-planted perennial where the leaves are usually heading into their dormant phase, giving the plant a better chance to grow a large root system.
The roots will grow throughout the fall and winter months so that when it’s ready to leaf out and flower the following season, it’ll have a head start. I’ve found that my plants always do better when I’m able to plant them in the fall. All it takes is a little pre-planning.
Fall Planting Decreases Transplant Shock and Heat Stress
Newly transplanted perennials, shrubs, and trees will always suffer some degree of stress from the transplanting process. This can be worsened by inadequate watering in the first weeks and months after transplanting. The lack of strong root system means that first-year perennials and shrubs and trees always need more frequent watering than more established plants. Plants put in the ground in spring have summer’s heat to content with in addition to recovering from the transplanting process, while fall-planted shrubs do not have to face the same heat conditions.
Long-Lasting Beauty For Your Garden
Oh I love how beautifully these perennials and shrubs will improve curb appeal. You pop them in the ground where ever you found yourself needing more color, and viola! The next year your problem is solved! Assess anything wrong with your garden this year and help improve your garden for the following year.
It’s common for gardeners to focus on spring and summer flowering blooms sometimes. Did you notice that you needed more fall color in the garden? Plan accordingly and add some autumn blooming perennials and shrubs like this gorgeous Autumn Joy Sedum – a favorite of mine.
Want to increase the wildlife and beneficial insects like butterflies? Try some of these wildlife-friendly plants like these dogwoods.
Have been experiencing drought conditions recently? You’ll want to choose the drought-tolerant plants to fill in any gaps.
Being able to plan next year’s garden while this year’s garden is still fresh in your mind is priceless. Planting in the fall gives you the perfect opportunity to plant beautiful plants, improve your garden, and make it easier for the plants to grow healthy.
This post is written as part of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas blogging team and you can find more gardening, landscaping, and home improvement ideas with their free Creative Ideas Magazine. I am provided gift cards to purchase materials for these posts, but all these photos and ideas are my own.
