Plant Now for a Better Spring Garden

Fall isn’t just the end of the gardening season. It’s also an opportunity to get a head start on next year’s landscape. Cooler temperatures and warm soil can provide excellent conditions for establishing many new plants before winter arrives.

At Sixteen Acres Garden Center, September is a great time to look around your yard, make plans for next year, and fill those spots you’ve been meaning to tackle.

Why Fall Planting Makes Sense

After the heat of summer begins to fade, plants experience less stress from high temperatures. Meanwhile, the soil can remain warm enough for roots to continue developing even as above-ground growth begins to slow.

Getting plants established in fall gives them time to begin developing their root systems before winter dormancy. When spring arrives, they’re already in place and ready for the new growing season.

Plant Trees and Shrubs

If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree or shrub, fall can be an excellent time to do it.

Trees and shrubs add structure to the landscape and can provide shade, privacy, flowers, colorful foliage, and year-round interest. Planting in fall gives many varieties an opportunity to begin settling into their new location without the added stress of summer heat.

Newly planted trees and shrubs still need attention, though. Continue watering as needed throughout the fall until the ground freezes, particularly during dry stretches.

Add Perennials for Years of Color

Fall is also a wonderful time to add perennials to garden beds and borders.

Take a walk around your landscape and look for areas that could use more color, texture, height, or seasonal interest. Because this year’s garden is still fresh in your mind, September is a perfect time to identify what you’d like to change.

Planting perennials now allows many varieties to begin establishing roots before winter and prepares them for their return next growing season.

Don’t Forget Spring-Blooming Bulbs

Want beautiful spring color? The work starts in fall.

Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and many other spring-blooming bulbs are planted in fall because they require a period of cold temperatures before producing their spring display.

Try combining several varieties with different bloom periods. Instead of one big burst of flowers, you can create waves of color throughout the spring.

Give New Plants a Strong Start

Whatever you’re planting, a little extra care now can make a difference.

Water new plantings thoroughly after planting and continue checking soil moisture during the fall. Adding an appropriate layer of mulch can also help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Just avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or plant crowns.

This Fall, Think Spring

September may signal that summer is winding down, but your garden doesn’t have to be finished.

Planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-blooming bulbs now can help you create a landscape that’s ready to come alive next year.

Stop by Sixteen Acres Garden Center and start planning your fall planting projects. A little work now can lead to a whole lot of beauty next spring.