Even though fall and winter temperatures are on the decline, the soils are still the perfect environment for establishing a strong root system. Take advantage of the fall and winter rains, giving them two growing seasons for those roots to situate and strengthen for those gorgeous Spring blooms.
Pro Tip: Adding a layer of fall mulch can keep soils even warmer! If your garden is mature mulching in fall may be all that is necessary for a full year. Then in spring do a quick spring cleanup of weeds, apply per-emergent, and then you are good to go!
The decrease in heat also means less maintenance in the garden. The high soaring temperatures of summer can often require morning and evening watering for new plants. Fall brings lower heat, lower humidity, and less intense light. These factors can really be noticed in the evenings giving the plants some needed relief from warm days and summer nights, pretty much like all of us! The reduction in abiotic stressors allows for going from watering every day to once or twice a week. Not to mention more time for sipping lemonade in the garden and less time sweating in it!
Let’s not forget to talk about those late summer savings. Local garden centers are often wrapping up for the season, looking to make room for seasonal products. This can often mean great specials for the fall gardener! If there is a certain expensive perennial you have had your eye on this may be the best time to pick it up and have it planted so it can recover from a full summer in the nursery.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check the roots they can often be bound up from spending all summer in a pot. If they are circling the root ball make sure to gently break apart the roots by scoring a cut on 3 sides of the root ball or just simply breaking part the bottom of the root ball. This will promote the roots to grow into the fresh soil instead of continuing the circle the root ball
Don’t leave all the labor for spring, split it up and start in fall. The plants will thank you!
