Now is the Time for Planting!
We like to say here, “back to school, back to the garden.” While spring is the most popular time to buy plants, one of the best times to plant trees, shrubs and perennials is in September! Take advantage of the cooler temperatures, which are more enjoyable for gardening, and less stressful on the plants as they acclimate to their new garden space.
Trees, shrubs, and perennials planted in September are better able to withstand the rigors of the next summer’s heat and dry conditions because they have had much longer to develop healthy root systems and become thoroughly established. This also helps create a more mature looking landscape come spring.
The cooler temperatures of fall, along with morning and evening dew, contribute to moisture availability in the soil, meaning less time devoted to watering!
Many trees, shrubs and perennials have beautiful foliage in the fall, making autumn the perfect time to see what a plant’s fall color will be so you can coordinate it with your existing landscape.
Whether you are adding to your garden, replacing plants, or starting a whole new look, now is the best time to plant – and you’ll be amazed at how lovely your landscape will look next spring.
Fall Gardeners Calendar
Plant cool-season veggies (cole crops, arugula, lettuce, radishes and spinach) that are available as starter plants. Clean out garden ponds and pools. Cover with pond netting before the leaves start falling.
Plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, snowdrops and more. Divide daylilies and spring-blooming perennials, including iris and peonies. Cut back perennials unless they feature ornamental seed heads.
Don’t be tempted to prune your spring flowering shrubs like forsythia, azaleas, camellia, holly, lilac, rhododendron, spirea or viburnum or you will remove next year’s buds.
Clean up and discard diseased rose leaves and debris surrounding shrubs and perennials. Prune long raspberry and rose canes back to a height of three feet. Water all landscape plants well and mulch before the winter cold sets in.
