Why is Fall a Good Time for Planting?
Instead of using their energy flowering, like in Spring or Summer, most plants are working on their root systems during the Fall. In fact, they’re developing more root health during this period than at any other time of the year, making it a great time to get them planted and growing.
Roots also love to grow in warm soil and that it and that seems plentiful at the end of the summer. Trees, shrubs and perennials develop roots easily at this time of year. The soil is cooler in the spring, but plants have time on their side to get established which help them through the stress of planting.
(As a side note, Pruning is discouraged in late August and September. Pruning will spur the plant to put energy into growing shoots and leaves. Forcing that up top growth at this time of year will take away from root strength when the plant needs it most.)
You’ll still need to water carefully right up until the ground freezes, but seasonal fall rains may take some of the load off of you and the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly as it does in the warmer days of Summer.
Plus, I don’t know about you, but I love gardening in the fall weather. I will do almost anything to get outdoors in September and October.
Happy planting!