Fall is Actually the Ideal Time to Plant

Many people believe spring is the best time for planting, but fall can offer ideal conditions for establishing a wide range of plants. Adding perennials, wildflowers and shrubs in the fall gives them time to develop strong root systems while temperatures are cooler, rainfall is typically more plentiful and plants require less watering.

Over the winter, they can continue to establish themselves, leaving them ready to thrive when spring arrives. Vegetables and herbs, particularly greens and root vegetables, also grow well during the fall, benefiting from the same milder conditions and reduced heat stress while offering gardeners the added advantage of potentially lower watering costs.

Fall planting also supports pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies because many of these plantings will bloom earlier the following spring. While timing is important, proper planting and care are equally essential to helping new trees, shrubs and perennials become established before winter.

Five Steps for Successful Fall Planting:

1. Choose the Right Plant for the Right Place: Consider sunlight, soil conditions, drainage and available space before selecting trees, shrubs, perennials or other plants for your landscape.
2. Plant Early Enough for Roots to Establish: Give new plantings time to settle in before the ground freezes so roots can begin developing while the soil is still relatively warm.
3. Water Thoroughly After Planting: Even with increased fall rainfall, newly planted trees and shrubs still need adequate moisture. Continue to monitor soil conditions and water as needed until the ground freezes.
4. Protect New Plantings: Adding mulch around the base of trees, shrubs and perennials can help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and provide added protection as colder weather arrives.
5. Plan Ahead for Spring: Fall is a good opportunity to think about how your landscape will look and function the following year, including adding plants that support pollinators and provide seasonal color.

Planting in the fall gives homeowners an opportunity to get a head start on the next growing season. With thoughtful plant selection and proper care, new additions can establish themselves before winter and be ready to produce healthy growth and blooms when spring arrives.

Down to Earth Living Garden Center encourages customers to bring in photos of their garden or backyard, as well as images that inspire them, and speak with Down to Earth experts for personalized guidance on how to bring their visions to life. The team assists with selecting plants, shrubs, containers, and statuary to achieve the desired look. The expanded indoor plant showroom is open all year, and free repotting is available with any plant or pot purchase.

Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, is a Garden Center serving Rockland, Bergen, and Orange counties and the Hudson Valley, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features a selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum, and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. Located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, N.Y. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.