While the leaves change colour and the intense summer heat subsides, the idea of planting might seem counter-intuitive. However, fall is one of the best seasons to enrich your garden. It's the secret to a resilient and vibrant landscape that will burst to life in the spring.
Why Plant in the Fall?
The ideal planting window is generally between mid-August and the end of September, giving you time to prepare. Planting in the fall offers many advantages. The milder temperatures and more frequent rainfall reduce stress on young plants. The soil, still warm from the summer months, is perfect for stimulating root development. By planting in the fall, you give your plants time to establish a solid foundation before the frost arrives. This allows them to get a head start as soon as spring returns.
How to Choose Your Plants?
The success of your planting begins with choosing a healthy plant. Here are a few tips to recognize a quality specimen:
- Check the foliage: Leaves should be a rich green, with no spots, signs of disease, or insect damage.
- Examine the stems: The plant should have strong stems and a well-balanced form.
- Inspect the roots: If possible, gently slide the plant out of its container to check the roots. They should be firm, white or light in colour, and not tangled. Avoid plants with root systems that are too tight or circling the pot.
A Few Common Varieties to Plant This Fall
To inspire you, here are a few examples of plants that are great for fall planting and will put on a show for seasons to come:
- Trees: Maples, birches, and oaks.
- Shrubs: Hydrangeas, spiraeas, dogwoods, and viburnums.
- Perennials: Asters, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and anemones.
- Ornamental grasses: Miscanthus and other grasses.
- Bulbs: Don't forget your spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
Key Steps for Successful Planting
To maximize the chances of success for your new plantings, follow these steps:
- Prepare the soil: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Before placing the plant, mix the soil you removed with compost or an enriched potting mix to provide a nutritious base. Adding specific amendments is also recommended to promote root development.
- Place the plant: Carefully remove the plant from its container. Place it in the centre of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill and water: Fill the hole with your soil mix and lightly tamp it down. Water generously to eliminate air pockets and help the roots settle in. Continue to water new plantings regularly and deeply until the ground freezes so they can store the water needed for winter.
- Fertilizing: It is not recommended to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the fall, as this stimulates leaf growth at the expense of the roots. Instead, opt for a fertilizer rich in phosphorus, which encourages root development.
- Mulch: Spread a 3 to 5 cm layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help maintain moisture, prevent weed growth, and protect the roots from frost when temperatures drop. For more sensitive plants, an extra layer of mulch or a burlap cover can be a good idea.
A Note on Container Planting
Fall container planting is ideal for decorating your entryway or balcony. However, plants in pots are more vulnerable to freezing. To ensure their survival, you can move the containers to a sheltered or isolated location, such as an unheated garage. If this is not possible, it is recommended to insulate the container with bubble wrap or bury it directly in the ground for the winter.
By following these tips, you'll create a place of beauty and vitality in your garden that will reward you for years to come. Visit your local garden centre to find everything you need for a successful fall planting.
