Planting in the Fall for Spring
End of summer; end of gardening? No way, now is not the time to abandon your garden but to renew and rejuvenate it in preparation for spring. Talk of springing surprises, the more love and care you give your garden in the fall, the bigger and better your surprise will be in the spring.
Many vegetables and perennials can be planted in the fall, and these will keep growing slowly through the winter or go dormant until the following spring brings new growth. The advantage of planting in the fall for a spring harvest is that the plants are well-established and ready to pop up in your garden with the onset of warmer weather.
Winter offers other added advantages for fall-planted vegetation. For starters, there are fewer or no pests around in winter, and the soil is consistently moist, facilitating good seed germination. So, you don’t have to put away your gardening tools just yet. Start planting perennials, trees, vegetables, ornamental plants, herbs, and shrubs in the fall. Consider fall as the new spring, the best time to plant for a bountiful harvest.
Read on, and we will guide you in all things related to fall planting.
What makes Fall planting highly effective
Autumn brings with it many bonuses for gardeners. It is a time to grow and practice survival plant techniques traditionally used by gardeners. Consider the many colorful aspects of the fall season. The climatic conditions change for the better in the fall season, and the stresses of summer are left behind. The more you understand the benefits of these changes, the better you will be able to use them to create a beautiful garden in the spring. Fall planting is highly effective, as the plants have ample time to get established before the onset of freezing weather. Some of the benefits a gardener will have when growing vegetables and perennials in the fall are:
- Cooler air temperatures
- Constant precipitation
- Warm soil
- Fewer weeds
- Fewer diseases and pests
- Stress-free growing season
Cooler air temperatures
With the atmospheric temperature becoming cooler and more pleasant, spurring new growth, seeds, plants, shrubs, and bulbs begin their slow but sure journey to spring. Plant activity is concentrated underground, with minimal growth above ground in preparation for winter. The protected roots keep growing more robust, resulting in healthy spring plants. Organic mulch, such as pine needles or compost, can help to regulate the effects of winter temperatures.
Constant precipitation
The fall season brings rain, so you need not worry about constant precipitation. The ground will be moist, ideal for germinating seeds and plant growth. The soil is not overly soggy, and watering will be minimal. All you may have to do to keep the soil moist is water occasionally. Plant in the fall to benefit from a long growing season in the spring.
Warm soil
Summer leaves behind a great gift for gardeners – warm soil. Above ground, the soil temperature can be daunting for new plants. But below ground, the warmth of summer stays for months to come, and this is a boon for fall gardens. Seed germination is encouraged, and plants have a better chance of survival, with the soil still warm enough for root growth before the winter. When spring arrives, the plants are ready and well on their way to early spring blooms and harvest.
Fewer weeds
The fall season doesn’t encourage the growth and spread of weeds, which typically thrive in the summer. Fewer weeds in your fall garden will translate into less competition for the nutrients in the soil and thus enable plants to grow better. By spring, your plants will be stronger and healthier as they use up all the nutrients in the soil and from the mulch added to the fall garden.
Fewer diseases and pests
One good thing about gardening in the fall is that you see a marked reduction in pests and diseases that generally ravage your garden and plants in the summer. There are also fewer mosquitoes and gnats to bother you while gardening. To eliminate all pests and diseases, you can use a broad-spectrum pesticide after examining its impact on the plants. You can skip this option altogether, as the weather will take care of them anyway. These healthy plants will bloom and flourish in spring, giving you an amazing early spring harvest.
Stress-free growing season
Fall planting is less stressful than spring planting. The cool growing season afforded by the fall and a restful period in the winter ensure luscious growth as spring arrives. The plants established in raised beds of your garden will sail through winter dormancy and into the summer gardening season effortlessly, as they have already had a cool growing season and have become more robust. This is more desirable than planting in spring and waiting for them to come up. Getting a head start in the Fall is the way to reap a good Summer harvest.
How to start creating your fall garden
First things first, you have to prepare your garden for planting. It is time to renew and prepare for the next growing season. Come spring, you will see how well you did your fall planting. Ensure that new growth has plenty of room and won’t compete with existing vegetation. Next comes planning, what to plant, when, and where to plant.
Seven terrific tips to get your garden ready for Fall planting
1. Remove the old to make way for the new garden. Start by clearing out any dead plants, vegetation, and weeds. Discard the debris and dispose of it properly. Remove any diseased plant material to prevent the disease from spreading in the following season. Prune back perennials, shrubs, and trees before winter arrives. Cut back annuals after they have finished blooming, so they don’t spread their seeds throughout your garden beds in the springtime.
2. Clean and sanitize your tools: There’s a lot of cutting, pruning, digging, scouring, and division of plants at the start of the Fall season. Sharp tools will give cleaner cuts which are less prone to disease. Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol or mild bleach to clean the tools.
3. Till the soil: Loosen up the soil with a tiller or shovel so nutrients can reach your new plants’ roots. This will also help to aerate the soil.
4. Enrich the soil: Add organic matter such as compost or manure to enrich the soil and help retain moisture. Aged manure adds nutrients to the soil and improves both fertility and drainage. Also, consider adding fertilizer, easily sourced from the nearest garden center, to give your plants a boost of vital nutrients. It is also a good idea to test the pH levels of your garden soil at this point and amend it before planting.
5. Plant cover crops: Planting cover crops help keep weeds at bay and prevent erosion over the Winter months when there isn’t much growing in the garden. Consider planting clover, ryegrass, or buckwheat.
6. Mulch: Lay down 6-8 inches of mulch to your garden beds to protect against erosion and insulate plant roots from extreme temperatures during the Winter months.
7. Water deeply: Give your plants one last deep watering before winter sets in to ensure they have enough moisture for the cold season ahead.
6 Best Plants to Plant in the Fall for Spring
Dracaena is one of the best plants to plant in the fall. It’s a perennial plant, which means that it will grow through winter. Dracaena can grow up to 7 feet tall, and its leaves are large and green.
Dracaena is one of the best plants to plant in the fall and one of the easiest ones. It needs little watering, only once every week or two. And it needs little sun exposure as long as you’re able to provide it with ample light for at least six hours per day.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. They can survive in low-light conditions and will not need much water.
The peace lily is a perfect plant to have in your home. They are relatively easy to care for; they’re also among the best plants for beginners. These plants can thrive without a lot of light or much water, which means that you don’t have to spend a lot of time watering them or worrying about where you’ll put them – they’ll be happy anywhere.
Japanese Maple Tree
The Japanese Maple Tree is one of the most versatile trees, as it can thrive in most types of soil and has a very long lifespan. Unlike most trees, this one does not grow very tall but grows wide, making it perfect for smaller yards or areas where space is an issue.
Hibiscus
The Hibiscus plant is a great option to get a head start on your gardening in the spring.
The Hibiscus plant is a great choice to have by your doorstep in the fall. The best part about this plant is that it can be planted in the fall and will bloom beautifully with white or pink flowers come springtime.
The hibiscus plant is not only beautiful but also has many practical uses. The leaves are great for composting, mulching, and fertilizer for other plants!
Pothos
Pothos plants are one of the best plants to plant in the fall, as they will grow well in any soil and have a high tolerance to both drought and cold. They will provide you with beautiful greenery from summer to fall and then produce a burst of color in the springtime for a stunning look all year long.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is an excellent choice for the fall garden. It can grow up to 3 feet in one day when in the right conditions. It can also tolerate poor soil and dry climates, making it perfect for the fall garden. Bamboo is also an excellent choice for reducing its carbon footprint because bamboo is very good at sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
Tips for planting for the Fall season: When to start
Timing is everything. Planting too early or too late can result in stunted growth, depending on how cold it gets. The best time to start planting for the fall season depends on where you live and what plants you are growing. Most places in the United States recommend that gardeners start planting their fall crops between mid-August and early September when the soil is still warm, but the weather is getting cooler. This will allow the plants enough time to get established in your garden before the first frost arrives and the top soil freezes.
First Frost Dates: The first touch of winter
The first frost of the Winter season typically occurs in late September or early October, depending on location. The exact timing of the first frost varies from year to year and is affected by a variety of factors such as temperature, humidity, and elevation. In some areas, the first frost can occur as late as November. Knowing when the first frost will arrive helps gardeners plan their planting schedules accordingly. It also indicates how cold temperatures may be during the Winter months.
Your Fall planting Guide in a nutshell
The Fall season is an optimal period for sowing! The milder temperatures and plentiful precipitation suggest that many plants should gain a foothold before the winter season sets in. Here’s your complete Fall gardening guide in a nutshell:
1. Planting Perennials in the Fall: Now is the time to get perennials in the ground for spring flowering and summer blooms next year. Consider planting hardy perennials like daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans to give your garden a burst of color when the weather warms up in late spring. Be sure to plant these early enough, as they will miss the growing season.
2. Trees & Shrubs: Fall is also a great time to plant trees and shrubs that are robust enough to withstand winter’s chill. Plant deciduous trees now so they can establish robust root systems before the cold months set in. Evergreen shrubs can also be planted in the fall. Always water them often for their first year or two until they are well-established.
3. Plant bulbs before the first frost date. Examples of such plants include such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses should be ready to plant. They must be planted in the autumn to settle into the soil before winter sets in. Make sure you plant them deep enough that the tip of each bulb is buried at least 4 inches beneath the surface of the soil. The bulbs will start a spurt of growth in early spring and summer.
4. Cool Season Veggies: If you’re looking for an edible harvest this fall, consider planting some cool season veggies now, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce, for a harvest later this year. These and other vegetables to plant in Fall climate conditions that we have listed above thrive in cooler weather and can tolerate frosty temperatures as well! What’s more, you may even get a winter harvest!
5. Herbs: Many herbs, such as parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, and chives, are suitable for planting in autumn too! Planting these herbs now will give you an early start on your herb garden, so they’ll be ready to harvest come springtime!
6. Lawns: Grass seeds love the cooler weather. Plant early so there is ample time to germinate before frost and winter set in. In early summer, you will have a beautiful green lawn.
And finally, transform your garden into a beautiful Spring oasis.
1. Plant colorful flowers: Adding fresh, bright blooms to your yard can instantly give it a pop of color and cheer. Choose a variety of different colors and shapes for an eye-catching look. Plant seasonal favorites like tulips, daffodils, and pansies for a bright pop of color to welcome the coming spring.
2. Add garden accents: Garden accents like birdbaths, gazing balls, trellises, and statues can add an extra touch of beauty to your outdoor space. Garden benches and wind chimes can make the space exciting and pleasant to sit out in and enjoy the garden. You will love the progress of your garden in the Fall and the results of your hard work in the spring. Make your time in the garden peaceful and happy.
3. Put in potted plants: Create a lush oasis with hanging baskets and planters filled with vibrant plants, like ferns and petunias. Place them around the perimeter of your yard or along pathways leading up to your home’s entrance for a welcoming effect.
4. Line paths with stones: Line pathways throughout your yard with smooth stones or gravel for an elegant look that’s also easy to maintain. Choose lighter-colored stones for a more subtle effect or darker stones for a bolder statement.
5. Install outdoor lighting: Installing lights around walkways or near seating areas can create an inviting atmosphere at night while also helping with visibility after dark. You can also use string lights hung from trees or set atop posts in the ground for added charm and ambiance.
What can I sow in the Fall to harvest in the spring?
Well, just about everything. There can be a mixture of perennials and annuals in your fall garden. For spring growth, some popular plants to start in the fall include pansies, violas, primroses, dusty miller, alyssum, snapdragons, calendulas, and stock. Also, you can plant kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, arugula, beets, turnips, and radishes in the fall to harvest them in the spring. Add the most popular vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, Swiss chard, and collards, to this list. Follow our tips, and you will have a beautiful spring crop.
Remember your lawn maintenance. Fall is the time to sow grass seeds or put down sods. Grass loves cooler weather, as seed germination is easy in moist soil.
And now, what not to plant in your Fall garden?
As tips go, this is an important one. Knowing what plants are not frost-tolerant will go a long way in planning your autumn vegetation. Some plants may not survive cold temperatures. Examples of such plants include roses, hibiscus, and impatiens. This goes for vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers. Even though they can be planted in your fall garden, they will need more time to mature before the winter cold sets.
What Are Perennials and Annuals?
Again, this is good to know, as the best fall gardens consist of perennials and annuals. Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, while annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. Perennials typically come back year after year and often need little maintenance once established. Annuals must be replanted every year as they do not survive the winter.
Perennials are plants that have a life cycle of more than two years and will typically bloom year after year. They often require very little maintenance and will return to the same places each season. Examples of perennials to plant in Fall are daisies, lavender, poppies, hostas, and daylilies.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Planting in the Fall for Spring
Successful gardens require a deep understanding of the sequence of individual plant growth and how particular plants support the health of other plants that follow. This knowledge will provide a gardener with a sound strategy for planting that considers the changing seasons and the needs of a changing garden.
