Fall is the perfect time to plant new gardens, divide overgrown plants and harvest what was last year’s crop. While leaf-removal should always be a priority in autumn with cool temperatures making it an ideal season for planting seeds or seedlings that need protection from frostbite, don’t forget about all those other benefits too!
Fall is the perfect time of year to plant a garden. Fall leaves will provide you with mulch for new plants and flowers, as well as some yummy treats such as apples or pears!
Check out these top 10 reasons why people love planting in fall – then grab your rake (or shovel) and start your garden before it gets too cold outside!
1. Moderate Weather
Spring is a great time to plant new plants because the weather isn’t too hot and it still rains. Fall has more settled days, which gives you better odds of your fragile new seeds or bulbs staying alive until their first winter night!
2. Fewer Pests
Autumn is a great time to get your garden in shape, and much lower on the pest-patrol front because most pests do their biggest damage near summer’s end, so you are good to go and start planting your garden in fall without fearing these creepers.
3. Fewer Chores, More Time
Yes, there are leaves to rake and container gardens to empty for winter. But unlike spring which often has a mile-long list (think lawn care, potting seeding soil prep) fall tends have much shorter chore lists as plants start winding down in preparation of winter–with more free time available planting, transplanting and caring for new ones becomes a lot easier!
More time on your hands will improve survival rates, too. You’re more likely to remember to water that newly-planted perennial or shrub in fall than you are during the spring when there’s also watering new container plantings vegetables and annual flower beds – it can be difficult for even an experienced gardener!
4. Deals on New Plants
Planting your garden in fall could allow you to purchase twice as many plants with the same dollars. Interesting, huh!?
5. Long Growing Period
Fall planting is a great time to plant your trees, shrubs and perennials before they go into winter dormancy. The roots of these plants are capable of growing even if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit!
Water is essential for continued growth; prepare your plants with plenty of water every couple of days before the ground freezes. Fall-planted trees, shrubs and perennials will usually be well established by next summer season.
6. More Time in Your Spring Garden
The more spring garden tasks you complete in fall, the easier it will be to spend some quality time outside next year. A few perennials divided and a newly-planted shrub or tree can give your landscape an impressive facelift before winter sets in!
7. Plant Ahead for Spring Color
Planting bulbs is a great way to add some color and fragrance during the winter months. Fall-planted flowers will be at their peak in early, mid-, or late spring! Plant your bulb as soon as soil is cooled down, usually at the end of September.
8. Extended Harvest
Cool-season crops are the perfect way to enjoy vegetables all year round. Autumn is when these hearty favorites thrive, and even winter in some regions!
Broccoli, cauliflower , carrots – you name it they’re great for fall planting with an early September deadline so your harvest won’t get scorched by cold weather.
9. Easy Seed Starting
Cool soil temperatures and dry conditions in fall make for fast-germinating seeds. This is the best time to seed your new lawn, fill in patches on an existing one or sow a meadow planting this year!
10. Better Recovery for Divided Perennials
You’ll love planting and caring for your new garden in the fall. Fall is typically a good time of year to transplant plants, as it improves soil temperature and weather conditions that promote healthy root growth.
Perennials need more care than most plants, so be sure to give them plenty of water after transplanting and every time they are dry. Make sure you also mulch your top-heavy perennials with a 6 inch layer mulch for added protection during the winter months!