9 Reasons Why Fall Is for Planting

9 Reasons Why Reasons Why Fall Is for Planting Fall Is for Planting

Fall planting is a sure way to promote strong, healthy root systems with less plant stress. Fall planting is a sure way to promote strong, healthy root systems with less plant stress. 1. Mild Days and Cool Nights 1. Mild Days and Cool Nights

The soil’s insulating ability is immensely beneficial to autumn root development, as it extends the root-growing season well beyond the first frost date . The soil’s insulating ability is immensely beneficial to autumn root development, as it extends the root-growing season well beyond the first frost date . 2. Warm Soil 2. Warm Soil

Not only does this “free water” reduce the need to irrigate new plants, natural rainfall is healthier for the plants than irrigation water. Not only does this “free water” reduce the need to irrigate new plants, natural rainfall is healthier for the plants than irrigation water. 3. Better Chance of Rain 3. Better Chance of Rain

The crisp weather that gardeners enjoy while working in the fall garden also helps to protect young garden plants from foliar disease as they become established in their new setting. The crisp weather that gardeners enjoy while working in the fall garden also helps to protect young garden plants from foliar disease as they become established in their new setting. 4. Lower Humidity 4. Lower Humidity

Most of the aphids, caterpillars, and beetles that feast on garden plants through spring and summer are nowhere to be found by fall. Most of the aphids, caterpillars, and beetles that feast on garden plants through spring and summer are nowhere to be found by fall. 5. Fewer Pests 5. Fewer Pests

A layer of mulch applied after fall planting is adequate to eliminate nearly all weed growth until next year. A layer of mulch applied after fall planting is adequate to eliminate nearly all weed growth until next year. 6. Less Weed Competition 6. Less Weed Competition

Gardeners spend less time on after-planting chores like weeding, spraying, and watering. Gardeners spend less time on after-planting chores like weeding, spraying, and watering. 7. Stress Relief 7. Stress Relief

Most plants end the growing season by releasing mature seeds, fruit, or nuts. Whether they are scattered by the wind or dispersed by wildlife, these seeds begin the process of germination in fall. Most plants end the growing season by releasing mature seeds, fruit, or nuts. Whether they are scattered by the wind or dispersed by wildlife, these seeds begin the process of germination in fall. 8. Following Nature’s Lead 8. Following Nature’s Lead

Whether it’s because of the crisp morning air, the mild sunny afternoons, or the dramatic foliage changes , fall is a fantastic time to be outside. Whether it’s because of the crisp morning air, the mild sunny afternoons, or the dramatic foliage changes , fall is a fantastic time to be outside. 9. A Great Time to be Outside 9. A Great Time to be Outside

While fall planting is often a safe and easy choice, sometimes it’s not the best strategy. Trees, shrubs, and perennials that are marginally hardy for your planting zone should be planted in spring. While fall planting is often a safe and easy choice, sometimes it’s not the best strategy. Trees, shrubs, and perennials that are marginally hardy for your planting zone should be planted in spring. But Not These Plants But Not These Plants

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