Fall Planting

Many gardeners have the perception that fall is the end of the growing season. I would like to spread the word that fall can be a time of new beginnings for ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees. Spring is not the only time to get planting done. Many plants, such as hardy perennials and shrubs, can be planted well into the summer, but especially autumn. There are many benefits of planting in the fall.

The first benefit is extra root growth. One of the most important aspects that will guarantee a successful plant is root growth. During the fall, a plant's leaf and flower production is usually slowing down and approaching dormancy. Therefore, a plant can focus its growing energy on root production. Roots can continue to grow when other parts of the plant cannot. Root systems will keep growing as long as the soil temperature is 50oF. Here in Berks, our soil temperature can remain 50oF well into January, so if you are planting in September, that's a good three to four months of quality growing time for your new plant. This is enough time for the plant to be well established before winter sets in. Next spring this plant will have a head start over newly planted perennials or shrubs.

Another benefit to fall planting is that the plant requires less water. The days are increasingly shorter and cooler in the fall. Plants are going to be photosynthesizing less, using less water. A new plant will always need a good initial soaking but will need less supplemental watering in the fall. However, keep in mind that any new plant should be watered in a dry spell of more than 10 days.

Fall planting is not only good for the plants but good for the gardeners, too! Gardeners usually have too much to do in the spring. Preparing, planting, fertilizing, and maintaining vegetable and ornamental gardens can lead to a very busy spring that is tiresome and leaves very little time for other activities. Fall planting allows gardeners to spread out the work load.

I encourage all gardeners to try planting in the autumn season. Many garden centers are promoting fall planting and usually have an abundant selection of plant material, and it may even be on sale!

My favorites for fall planting are perennials and bulbs. Bulbs not only like to be planted in the fall, but they need to be planted in the fall. Bulbs must have a cooling period in order to bloom in the spring. Try planting some extra tulips and daffodils this year, or try some less common bulbs like alliums or camassia. There are numerous varieties to choose from with wide color and size ranges. If herbaceous perennials are more your style, try some award winners like Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm,' Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue,' or Astilbe 'Sprite,' just to name a few.

When planting your gardens this fall, remember a few of these planting tips:

Site Selection. Know your plant and its requirements. Take the time to evaluate your garden and what type of site, soil, and climate you have. If your plant needs full sun, be sure you have a site that will get full sun.

Soil Preparation. Do a soil test and know what type of soil you have and what nutrients are present. Amend your soil according to the recommendations from your soil test with organic matter and fertilizer. Cultivate well before planting.

Planting Depth. Plant at the proper depth. If it is too high, the plant can dry out; if it is too low, the plant can rot. Be sure that containerized plants are planted at the same depth they were growing in the pot.

Transplanting. Loosen the root ball and tease the roots apart to give them plenty of room.

Water. Water plants well a day prior to planting. A good initial soaking is vital to a plant's success. Check the newly planted plants every day for a month to insure proper moisture.

Prepared by Laura McNutt, Extension Agent, Penn State Cooperative Extension - Berks County.
August 2001

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