After 30+ years in the nursery industry growing plants, it still surprises us how many gardeners feel that Spring is the only time of year to plant. In the spring Garden centers are overrun with customers trying to get stuff in the ground before the summer. It’s very difficult to get plants established in a 6-8 week period before the summer heat and quite often, drought, sets in. They spend all summer trying to keep things watered and the plants suffer and then it is more difficult to get them to perform well.
What You Should Be Planting This Fall
By planting in the fall, you are giving the roots time to grow all winter so that in the spring when they begin to grow, they already have a head start. Here are just some of the plants you SHOULD be planting in the fall!- Evergreen Shrubs & Trees
- Fruit & Berry Bushes & Trees – Commercial farmers always plant these in the fall
- Hardy Perennials – Save tender perennials for the spring
- Fall/Winter Vegetables & Bedding Plants such as Collards, Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli, Snapdragons, Pansies & other fall annuals.
Cooler Temperature Means Less Stress
During the cool seasons, most plants have fewer water requirements. Therefore, it is less likely that your plants will dry out and be stressed before their roots grow out into the surrounding soil. The other really great thing about cool-season planting is that your plant’s roots will continue to grow into the soil during this time of the year in the south. The whole idea is to get those roots growing out of the root ball and establish a strong root system in the soil around them as quickly as possible. Insect issues often do not exist in the fall and winter months, so fewer worries for you about munchers.Transplanting
It is also the BEST time to transplant or relocate plants. During the fall and winter, most plants are dormant, so if you need to move them to another location, it's the absolute perfect time to do this. Trying to move a plant during the spring or summer is often so stressful on plants that it is not successful. Be sure to hydrate your plant well a few days before you attempt to move it.Plants In Containers
Plants grown in containers are more likely to suffer damage from cold weather than plants in the ground. This is because there is little protection from containers from the outside temperature while plants in the ground have the benefit of being insulated somewhat by the soil. If you plant in containers this fall, make sure you pay attention to freeze warnings, make sure your plant is well hydrated, and if there are any concerns, cover the plant, but more importantly cover the containers with a heavy blanket. Move plants to protected areas like covered porches & garages during extremely cold weather.Plants You Can & Should Plant In The Fall
- Camellias & Tea Plants
- Shrubs & Trees
- Fruit & Berry Bushes such as Pears, Peaches & Plums, and Blackberry & Blueberry plants all do best when planted in the fall.
- Hardy Perennials (Save tender perennials for spring)
- Fall/Winter Bedding & Vegetables