ARTICLES :: Planting for Fall Oct 2009

Planting for Fall

By:  Melinda Sperl

Fall is the best time of year for planting.  Not only do we have cooler weather but we generally get a good bit of rain which has been evident in recent weeks.

This time of year most plants are headed into dormancy which means they are storing up their energy for the spring.  This is when the plants’ energy is focused on the root system and not on the foliage.  This process is essential for plant health and by planting now you will have a healthier plant in the spring. 

Plants go through a lot of stress when they get transplanted and add to that the energy required to bloom.  Top that off with the nursery adding heavy fertilizers to get a spectacular bloom that fades as soon as you get home.  This stresses you and the plant. By planting now before the bloom period will avoid some of this stress and allow you to enjoy your established yard in the spring. 

Another reason to buy plants now is that they are generally larger.  A 3 gallon plant bought in the spring is pretty small and has probably just been moved up a pot from a 1 gallon.  By the end of the year though, those plants have grown and are a pretty good sized 3 gallon plant.

Landscapers are also less busy this time of year so it is a good time to get your new landscape installed.