As the crispness of autumn settles in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, gardeners are given a unique opportunity to set the stage for a flourishing garden come spring. Fall is actually an idea time to plant a variety of trees and shrubs. We plant as long as the ground is not frozen.
Why Plant in the Fall?
- Cooler temperatures.
- Reduced stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Moisture availability naturally, which in turn, reduces water use.
- Stronger root development
- Less competition from weeds
The Ginkgo biloba is a large, deciduous tree that matures to 100′ tall and is considered to be a living fossil. It is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 150 million years ago.
What to Plant in the Fall?
- Trees & shrubs: maple trees, oak trees, holly, etc.
- Spring-blooming bulbs: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc.
- Cool-season vegetables: leafy greens like spinach, kale & arugula
How to Plant a Tree:
- Determine what you want the tree to do for you.
- Select the planting site.
- To see the basic steps you should take to plant your tree, please visit http://ncufc.org/how-to-plant
- Do not add organic soil (compost) to your newly dug hole. Adding organic material to the holes of new plantings is not very helpful to the plant. Individual plants do best in native soil. https://artofstonegardening.com/no-more-amendments-to-planting-holes
Fall & Winter Planting Tips:
- Keep plants watered. Water deeply twice a week for at least 1-2 months. Irrigation is not sufficient for establishing plants. I prefer hand watering.
- Apply mulch in a thick layer to protect newly planted trees.
- Stake the tree if on a windy site. Evergreen, or top-heavy trees, might need staking depending on where they are.
- Don’t fertilize. Plants do not need fertilizer in the colder months.
- Avoid pruning, as it can open wounds up to freeze damage.
- Buy quality trees and shrubs https://artofstonegardening.com/?s=nursery
Conclusion:
Fall is not just a time for harvesting and enjoying the beauty of the changing leaves; its also a prime opportunity for planting and setting up your garden for future success. By taking advantage of the cooler temperatures, increased moisture, and reduced weed competition, you can give your garden a head start and enjoy a more vibrant and healthy landscape come spring. So grab your gardening gloves and trowel, and let the autumn planting adventure begin! Happy Gardening!
