Why Plant in the Fall?

Fall is for Planting! 

Fall planting (mid-August to mid-December) takes advantage of warmer soil temperatures, air and moisture conditions that promote the root growth needed to sustain plants through their critical first year in their new environment.

H2O: They also get the benefit of plenty of free water. Usually, Mother Nature offers just enough water throughout the dormant season to sufficiently hydrate plants that were planted in the fall.

Less Stress: They suffer less stress, due to lower temperatures and that they’re going into a dormant season where they’re no longer aggressively growing.

Buds: Have you ever notices those little buds on your plants after all the leaves have fallen in fall? Those are buds and they're waiting to spring to life in the spring! 

Figure 2 - Fall Buds 

Winter: The fall gives them time to establish new root systems before the freezing weather sets in. Keep in mind, that freezing temperatures are vital to spring propagation which leads to flower and fruit production. Often referred to as “Chill Hours”, many varieties need hundreds of hours. Establishing them in the fall will guarantee you beautiful bounties in the new year! 

Pests: There are less pests around to stress out newly transplanted plants and trees. 

Seeds: Fall is the time that most plants have completed their flower production and begin forming and dispersing seeds.

We all think planting season is limited to spring and that by fall, all becomes gloomy and cold. That is just not so. Adding new plants to your landscape during the dormant season offers months of anticipation for the joy to come. 

Note that colder states will be ready to plant from August through Mid to late October. Warmer states will be ready to plant October through mid to late December. 

Plant a tree! We have the tree!

Figure 3 - Fall Seeds