| FALL IS FOR PLANTING PERENNIALS
Many people are unaware that fall
is a wonderful time to plant. Gardeners often think fo spring as the planting
season and miss out on a great opportunity.
The
following conditions make fall perennial planting ideal.
The soil is perfect. Warm soil temperatures
(unlike spring)enhance rooting. Also the soil is soft and workable - which
is excellent for root growth.
Cool air temperature minimize wilting
and transplant shock. The days are growing shorter. Thus the plants receive
fewer hours of searing sun compared to mid-summer. With less heat, less
water is lost through the leaves, thus plants don't suffer as much as in
hotter months. Cooler temperatures also make garden chores more pleasant.
Moisture levels are generally higher.
precipitation is often greater in the fall and thus soil moisture is more
abundant and available to the plants.
Many insects are going dormant, thus
plants suffer less from insect attack. Also, those pesty bugs will be less
bothersome as you garden.
Fall planting allows you to get a
jump start on the spring gardening chores. Spring is often a very busy
time in many people's lives. There are numerous garden chores to accomplish.
Planting hardy plants in the fall will lessen your spring work.
Fall planting enables you to plan
for and plant a better display for the next year. Plants will generally
be bigger and showier than those planted in the subsequent spring.
Your garden needs are fresh in your
mind. You may not remember the problems, the changes, the editing that
needs to be done several months from now. Now is a great time to evaluate
your perennial plantings.
Does your garden lack color at
times?
Are there holes or empty
areas?
Are your plants overcrowded?
Do you have misplaced plants?
Tall in front of short, colors that clash, etc. Fall is a great time to
remedy these problems while they are very apparant and still fresh in your
mind.
Nurseries recognize that fall is
a great planting time and are growing fresh plant material for this season,
thus there is better plant selection available. Specials are often run
late in the season You may be able to find great bargains. Plants which
have not sold all season and have been in a pot too long may be pot bound.
Remember to break apart the root ball and tease the roots apart to disrupt
those girdling roots.
Plant
now for next year's spring, summer and fall blooming success!
Here are some
tips for successful fall planting
Prepare the soil by
adding compost, peat moss or other organic matter to existing soil.
Cut back excess foliage
and blooms to minimize evaporation.
Break apart the root
bal to encourage the roots to quickly "grab onto" their new home. Otherwise
they will think they are still in their pot!
Mulch the surrounding
soil to conserve moisture and soil warmth.
Provide a winter mulch
over the top of the plant after the ground is frozen. Evergreen boughs
work best. shredded leaves can also be used.
How
late can you plant perennials?
Plants need time to get established
before the onset of winter. That is, their roots need to grow into the
surrounding soil. When soil temperatures get too cold, root growth ceases.
Since seasonal temperatures vary from year to year, it is difficult to
give an absolute sage planting interval. The earlier you plant the less
risk there is. Here in USDA Zone 6, September planting of most perennials
is generally safe. Planting in October is more risky. (I have planted safely
in November in many years). If the choice is to leave it in the pot over
the winter or plant it, I recommend you plant it and mulch it heavily. |
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