If you thought the only season to plant was the spring, think again! Fall planting can be just as healthy and beautiful as spring plantings! Here are 3 reasons why fall is a great time to plant and to conquer your gardening project this fall.

1. Root Development

Having strong roots is a critical element for having healthy plants. The fall months provide great conditions for root development. Soil temperatures need to remain above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for root development. In the fall the air temperature falls faster than the soil temperature does, so even through the air is cooling the soil is still warm which is perfect for root establishment! The cooler air temperatures put less stress on the plants so more energy can go into root establishment. Planting in the fall will set your garden up beautifully for the spring! Since the roots will already be established when spring comes around you will have healthy growing perennials and shrubs that will be more tolerant of heat and weed stress!

2. Watering!

With the decrease in temperature and shorter days in the fall you don’t need to water as much as you do in the spring and summer months. With reduced heat stress on plants its easier for newly planted shrubs and perennials to retain the water they need which means less watering on your part! Also, the cooler nights and morning dew allows plants to recover each night.  Keep in mind that transplanted shrubs and perennials will still need to be paid close attention to!

3. Less Weed Competition

Fall planting occurs after the heaviest weed growing season is over and many weed seeds will be dormant! This gives you a larger window for planting after you do your weeding. If you decide to clear your site of weeds one weekend you don’t have to immediately plant before new weed seeds grow back as they do in the spring. With less weeds to compete with more energy can go into the new planting’s root development. In September there are specifically less problems with crabgrass and foxtail weeds. Planting in the fall will set up your plants to be able to withstand weeds in the coming spring.

We are now scheduling fall work! If you are interested in having us come out to do a planting or any other work this fall feel free to email us at laurensgardens@gmail.com or fill out the free estimate form on our website!

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, lookout for more coming soon! Good luck with your gardening everyone.