Plant Now for a Better Spring Garden

Spring may get most of the attention when it comes to planting, but fall is one of the best times of year to improve your landscape.

In September, the combination of cooler air temperatures and warm soil creates excellent conditions for establishing trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and other hardy plants. Instead of using most of their energy to cope with summer heat, newly planted material can focus on developing a strong root system before winter.

That stronger start can make a noticeable difference when spring arrives.

Why Fall Planting Works So Well

Soil stays warm long after daytime temperatures begin to cool. Warm soil encourages root development, while cooler weather reduces stress on the leaves and stems above ground.

Fall also generally means less intense sun and lower evaporation rates, so newly planted material may require less frequent watering than it would during the hottest part of summer.

Plants that establish roots in fall are often ready to begin growing quickly once temperatures warm again in spring.

Trees and Shrubs

September is an excellent time to add trees and shrubs to the landscape.

Whether you need shade, privacy, structure, flowering interest, or improved curb appeal, planting now gives woody plants time to begin establishing before winter.

Fall can be especially useful for larger landscape projects because cooler weather makes planting easier on both plants and gardeners.

Continue watering newly planted trees and shrubs consistently until the ground begins to freeze.

Perennials

Fall is also a great time to add perennials.

Many varieties establish well during cooler weather and return the following spring ready to grow. Fall planting is also a good opportunity to fill gaps you noticed in the garden during summer.

Consider adding plants for:

• Pollinators
• Shade gardens
• Sunny borders
• Long-season color
• Native plantings
• Cut flowers
• Groundcover
• Late-season blooms

By planting now, you can get a head start on next year’s garden instead of waiting until spring.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are particularly valuable in the fall landscape.

Their foliage, seed heads, and movement add texture and structure when many summer flowers begin to fade. Depending on the variety, they can also provide screening, erosion control, wildlife habitat, or a strong architectural element in the garden.

Planting grasses in early fall gives them time to begin rooting before colder weather arrives.

Don’t Forget Spring-Flowering Bulbs

If you want daffodils, tulips, crocus, alliums, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, fall is when the planning begins.

Spring-flowering bulbs need a period of cold weather before they bloom. They are planted in fall so they can spend the winter developing underground and emerge when temperatures warm.

September is an excellent time to shop for bulbs while selection is still strong, even if planting takes place a little later as soil temperatures cool.

Fall Planting Still Requires Water

Cooler temperatures do not eliminate the need for watering.

New trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses should be watered deeply after planting and monitored regularly throughout the fall. Rainfall may reduce how often you need to water, but newly planted roots should not be allowed to completely dry out.

A layer of mulch can also help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch away from direct contact with tree trunks and plant crowns.

Look at the Garden With Spring in Mind

Fall provides a useful opportunity to evaluate your landscape while this year’s successes and problems are still easy to remember.

Walk through the garden and look for areas that could benefit from:

• More spring color
• Additional shade
• Better screening
• A flowering shrub
• Pollinator-friendly plants
• More texture or height
• Replacement of struggling plants
• A new focal point

Taking care of those projects now can mean less work and a more established-looking garden next spring.

Give Next Year’s Garden a Head Start

Planting season does not end when summer does.

For many hardy landscape plants, September offers some of the most favorable planting conditions of the year. Trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, and bulbs planted this fall can spend the coming weeks developing roots and preparing for next season.

Stop by Bru-Mar Gardens to explore fall planting options and get help selecting plants that are right for your landscape.

Fall Planting FAQ

Is September too late to plant trees and shrubs?
No. September can be one of the best times to plant many hardy trees and shrubs because the soil is still warm and temperatures are less stressful.

How late into fall can I keep planting?
That depends on the plant and weather conditions. In general, earlier fall planting provides more time for roots to establish before the ground freezes.

Should I fertilize newly planted trees and shrubs?
Heavy fertilization is usually unnecessary at planting time and can encourage unwanted tender growth. Focus first on proper planting, watering, and soil conditions.

Do fall-planted perennials need mulch?
A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture and protect the root zone. Avoid piling mulch directly against the crown of the plant.

Can I plant bulbs at the same time as perennials?
Yes, although spring-flowering bulbs are often planted a little later in fall once soil temperatures have cooled. September is an excellent time to choose and plan your bulbs.