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The serious gardener knows that gardening is a year-round love affair. And no season is better for gardening than . . . Fall. I know you thought I was going to say Spring, but the truth is that Fall is important not only for the beauty of this season, but also for how it prepares us for spring.
The cooler weather of fall means we can work a little harder and not break a sweat. We can be out in mid-day and not have to retreat inside after 30 minutes. The soil is warm and manageable (soil temperatures lag behind air temperatures by several weeks). It is the perfect time to prepare the soil by adding compost, peat moss or other organic ammednments.
Roots grow during the cooler Fall season than during Summer. Roots actually continue to grow year round, unless the ground freezes. The roots of a mature tree grow beneath the frost line so they grow even during the winter.
Plants are more resilient to change right now, and cooler temperatures mean less chance of wilting, so it is a great time to move plants around and transplant them. Anything you plant now should develop better in the spring, because the root system can establish itself before the demands of producing new flowers and leaves in the Spring. Trees, shrubs and perennials planted now will have two seasons (Fall and Spring) to prepare for the rigors of summer. This means an increase in the size and number of blooms on those plants that flower or produce fruit, for example.
Once planted, or transplanted, remember to water. Although Fall often sees higher moisture levels, and you are not losing as much water compared with the hot summer sun, failure to keep new plantings properly watered is the primary reason for fall plant loss. Even though you may not see any leaves, remember, the roots are still developing and need water to help get established.
Until next time . . . enjoy your gardening. It’s good for you!
