Plantin' Time

Most gardeners tend to plant in the spring after being indoors all winter, but fall is actually a better time to add plants to your garden. Fall is the perfect time to add perennials, winter annuals, shrubs, and trees to your landscape.

Fall planting is ideal for plant establishment. When a deciduous tree is planted in the fall, it has no leaves. Cooler fall weather allows the tree roots to grow actively without having to expend energy with leaf production. Plant roots are more important than plant shoots during the critical plant establishment stage. A healthy root system will support a healthy shoot system. Therefore, if the roots do not get a head start, the shoot system will never reach maximum potential.

As always, when it comes to planting, soil preparation is essential. Proper soil pH and nutrients assures maximum success of healthy plants. Now is a great time to soil test before the winter rush. Soil kits can be picked up from the Ag. Center and returned to the Ag. Center to be brought to Raleigh and the NCDA soil lab. Remember to prepare the soil by loosening it well and adding compost for maximum root growth.

One of the most important aspects of fall planting is watering. Sometimes gardeners forget that plants can lose water very quickly in fall and winter, especially during those cold windy days. Conifers and evergreens especially need watering after windy days. Keep the soil moist by watering deeply.

Date Created: 12/10/2004.