Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant

Fall might not be top of mind when you think of the best time to plant. Fall conjures up images of leaves dropping and plants withering as the temperatures drop. Spring seems to be the obvious answer on the best time to plant. It is the time of the year where everything comes back to life after they lay dormant in the winter. Although spring is great, fall might be the best time to plant due to a variety of factors. Read on to discover why.

Cool Air and Warm Soil

Although air temperatures begin to fall during autumn, the soil will retain its warmth for weeks after the temperature drops having been warmed from months of summer sun. The warm soil paired with the lack of intense summer heat makes it an ideal environment for fledgling plants. These conditions encourage the plants to redirect their energy from top growth to developing strong root systems. The milder air temperatures also decrease the likelihood of evaporation, so the plants are better able to retain moisture. All these conditions will allow for the plant to establish strong, hearty roots that will allow your plant to withstand higher temperatures and drought better than plants that were planted in the spring, since they have a head start on root development.

increased rainfall

Fall is also a great time to plant because there is increased rainfall ensuring water saturates your plants’ roots without relying on irrigation as much. This also mean that planting in the fall is less laborious and saves you money as you will only have to use your irrigation system sparingly.

Lower Humidity

Humidity can be tough for new plants. Although it can help to retain moisture, it also increases the prevalence of fungi and diseases that will wreak havoc on your new plants. If you want to avoid foliar diseases, planting in the fall is your best bet.

decreased pests

During the fall bugs and pests begin to go dormant for the winter. This means you have fewer predators that will interfere with the growth of your plants. Instead, your plants can just focus on developing strong roots and establishing themselves before the winter.

Reduced Weed Competition

Weeds complete their growth cycle during the fall. This means there will be fewer weeds growing and competing with your plants for nutrients and water. By adding a thin layer of mulch, you can also prevent almost all weed growth for the rest of the year, allowing your plants to flourish.

Tips for Fall Planting:

pLANT BEFORE THE GROUND FREEZES

Plant up to six weeks before the ground freezes. In Massachusetts, this is usually around mid- November to mid-December.

MULCH

Mulch helps to insulate the soil, retain moisture and suppress weeds. It also helps to prevent frost heaving, which is when the soil swells due to ground water freezing and expanding.

SUPPLEMENTAL WATERING

Although the fall has increased rainfall it is important to keep your plantings hydrated. This means you should also intentionally water your plantings. Irrigation systems are great for helping to deliver water directly to the soil so your plants can grow strong and healthy roots.

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Perennial Landscape Corporation

The Quality You Expect and the Service You Deserve

Perennial Landscape Corporation is a family-owned business creating distinguished landscape environments in Winchester, Concord, Lexington, Andover and surrounding Massachusetts areas since 1995.

Perennial Landscape Corporation was named after the category of plants called perennials. Perennials are plants that have a lifespan of two or more years, meaning they come back each year. Just like a perennial, our aim is for you to be able to count on us year after year.

Here at Perennial, we pride ourselves on providing excellent landscaping services and outstanding customer service. Our motto is ” the quality you expect and the service you deserve”. That is the mindset that permeates every aspect of our work.