Why Planting in the Fall is Ideal for Your Spring Garden

Most gardeners know that fall is the best time to plant their spring garden. The fall season offers a unique set of advantages that can make your gardening efforts more successful. From soil warmth and reduced stress to less weed competition, spring planting in fall offers multiple benefits that can lead to a healthier, more productive garden come the spring.

Warm Soils

Because the soil is still warm from the summer, it provides an ideal environment for root development until the first frost. In our area, this occurs around mid-October, but trees and shrubs continue to develop roots well into the winter. This means that when spring arrives, you'll have plants with established root systems that are more likely to thrive and produce flowers, even during the hot summer months. Last fall, we planted twenty-five butterfly milkweed, and twenty-three of these plants survived the winter. Most of these bloomed this summer, a testament to the benefits of planting in the fall.

Reduced Stress

Transplanting can cause stress on plants due to the shock of being introduced to a new environment. However, planting in the fall reduces this stress because the plant is already entering a period of dormancy. The growth shifts from above-ground to below-ground, with root systems storing energy reserves for the next growing season. This vital time for root development before winter sets the stage for a healthier, more resilient plant in the spring. Transplanting in the spring can cause additional stress, especially if the plant hasn't had enough time to establish its root system, making it more vulnerable to the demands of summer.

Less Weed Competition

When planting in September, you'll find fewer problems with weeds like crabgrass and foxtail. This allows your plants to get a head start for the following season without competing with problematic weeds. Remember to mulch around the plants after the first freeze to help moderate soil temperatures, control winter annual weeds like henbit, and retain soil moisture through the winter. Maintain proper air circulation around the base of plants to avoid creating a humid environment that can encourage fungal growth.

Beneficial Rains

Fall brings several cool, cloudy days with frequent precipitation, creating an ideal environment for transplanting and growth. Warm, sunny days can put stress on new transplants, while cooler nights and morning dew allow plants to recover each night. Beneficial autumn rains often eliminate the need for daily watering, making the task of maintaining a garden less intensive. The Arboretum parking lot median was planted in September, and we have seen firsthand the benefits of this approach.

At the Arboretum, we prefer to plant in the fall because it gives us more time and allows us to better appreciate the results. We are typically very busy in the spring, rushing to prepare the gardens, but it's wonderful to see plants that were started in the fall jump to life and even bloom. Whenever you plant, be it in the spring or fall, the ultimate goal is to create a landscape you can enjoy. Take the time to revel in the fruits of your labor and the rewards that a well-planned fall planting can bring.

Need more tips to get started on your fall planting? Check out our blog at Gardening Dream. With rich practical experience and a passion for sharing our knowledge, we provide invaluable advice on plant cultivation, natural fertilizers, and pesticides, among other crucial aspects of gardening. Happy planting!