ADVANTAGES OF PLANTING NATIVES IN THE FALL SEASON

Planting natives in your landscape helps increase local biodiversity and supports habitat for wildlife. Native plants can provide environmental services like preventing soil erosion by stabilizing the ground and improving water retention by capturing runoff. Native plants are often adapted to the climate of your region and require less maintenance over time compared to annual non-native plants. You can plant natives anytime throughout the growing season, but our favorite time of year to plant natives is the fall. Read on to learn why! 

Fall is the ideal time in a plant’s growth cycle to plant in the ground. While top growth like leaves and flowers are naturally senescing and entering a dormant period, the plant is sending most of its energy toward its roots. Lining up your planting plans to match this time of robust root development is a great way to use the plant's natural growth cycles to your advantage.

Opportune weather conditions in autumn contribute to why this time of year is optimal for planting. Not only do us humans prefer working outdoors in cooler temperatures, but plants have an easier time getting acclimated into new soil without the stress of summer heat as well. Autumn’s mild weather, less intense sunshine, and usually predictable rainfall create the perfect setting for plants to settle into new ground. While air temperatures begin to drop, temps below ground tend to stay warmer a bit longer, aiding in the root development of plants.

 Less maintenance is required in the fall since these cooler temperatures help fend off pest pressure, fungal diseases, and fast growing weeds that may outcompete new plantings. Because plants are not transpiring as much while their aerial growth enters dormancy, they require less frequent watering. Plants should be watered deeply when first transplanted to help with adjusting to new soil, then watered just as the soil becomes dry. Soil will often hold onto moisture longer in the fall since temperatures are cooler and fallen leaves provide mulch that aids in water retention. 

Planting natives in the fall gives you and your garden a head start on spring. Next year when your garden begins to wake up, you will notice robust growth in plants that were planted during autumn. An established root system allows plants to focus their energy toward growing lush foliage and eventually producing flowers. Rather than stressing to get plants in the ground before the heat of summer, you can relax and enjoy your garden as it grows!

Keep the following tips in mind as you plan your next fall planting. Begin by selecting a diverse range of plant species for season long blooms from early spring to late fall that will provide habitat and food for wildlife throughout the year. Get plants in the ground at least 4-6 weeks before the ground thoroughly freezes, giving roots a chance to anchor in to better survive a harsh winter.

Site preparation requires further research by the planter due to complexity and specificity, but in general, preparation can begin with removing any grasses or weeds that may outcompete new plants. Make sure to tease out any root-bound plants that have outgrown their container. Mildly rootbound plants can be separated by hand, or tougher roots can be loosened by cutting vertically into the root ball on all sides. This little damage will not kill the plant, it will encourage new roots to grow outward instead of continuing to girdle inward. 

Once ready to plant, dig a hole slightly wider than the width of the root ball. Tuck plants firmly into the ground level with or slightly deeper than the soil level so water runs toward the crown and roots. If the crown is planted too high, water will run away from the plant. Planting at the right depth will help protect the plant from the freeze and thaw cycles that happen throughout winter months. 

Mulch new plants with fallen leaves, straw, or wood chips to provide insulation, improve water retention, and suppress new weeds. Once planted, water wisely. Thoroughly drench new plantings to assist with root adjustment, then water less frequently based on soil moisture and rainfall levels. Now, it’s time to sit back and wait to see your hard work bloom during the next growing season!