Planting in Fall

Get Your Planting On!

By: Christina T.

Fall officially begins next week and as the weather starts to cool, we think about autumn leaves, bonfires, and pumpkins. Something we should also think about is planting MN hardy Shrubs and perennials. Fall is a really great time to plant your perennials and shrubs because as the weather cools down plants are less susceptible to stress caused by heat. Typically, most people are wrapping up their summer travels so leaving a newly planted item without water is less likely to happen. The Fall season helps the plant thrive, but the cooler weather also helps the gardener. Cooler temperatures mean a more relaxing planting experience.

Tips for planting in the Fall:

Tip 1: Water, water, water. Cooler weather doesn’t mean less water. The fall season is drier with more wind. Because of this it is important to water all newly planted shrubs and perennials up until the first freeze. We also recommend watering all shrubs and perennials, even established ones, to provide water and the best possible care before winter.

Tip 2: Skip the fertilizer. As each plant prepares for dormancy, energy is being focused on the root system. When a plant is fertilized the plant puts its energy into growing new foliage. We do not want perennials and shrubs producing new growth during this time. We suggest Labor Day as being the cut off time for fertilizing your garden. Give your plants some time to focus on growing and establishing a root system that will get them through winter.

Tip 3: Mulch your plants. Mulch is a great way to help preserve moisture and regulate the ground temperature. When applying mulch add 1-3 inches in depth depending on the type of plants you have and what type of sun exposure your garden gets. You do, however, want to be mindful not to place the mulch directly at the base of a tree or shrub. Make sure the mulch is placed a couple inches away from the base to allow the trunk to breathe. Too much moisture and this could cause molds or fungus to grow.

Tip 4: Clean your gardening tools. While we are on the topic of fall gardening it’s a good idea to wash and clean your gardening tools getting them ready for next spring. Cleaning your garden tools regularly can help keep plants healthy and disease free. Especially this time of the year when pruning plants is a regular activity. Be sure not to transfer any plant molds or disease from one plant to the next. So, take a little extra time this season to clean your garden tools and get them ready for spring.

With these simple tips Fall gardening can be a breeze. Get started today by checking out our selection of shrubs and perennials. Be mindful that we are approaching the end of the season so stock is limited, but you could find exactly what you are looking for!