Fall Planting

The Snapdragons are rolling out here at Buds and the mornings are cooler, which means Fall is here.  As a person who made it through the harsh Houston summer, I couldn't be happier to see the season change.  The cooler temps mean gardening will feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable hobby.  Gardening in the Fall has more benefits than just cooler weather though.  September, October and November are some of the best months to plant perennials, shrubs and trees.  Plants get to spend the cooler months, and all of winter, working on their root system. When Spring comes, you will be rewarded with a healthy flush of green leaves and blossoms.  Your plant will get that head start instead of having to work on a new root system and new leaves and blooms if planted in the Spring.

Another advantage to planting in the Fall is most nurseries are having massive sales to clear their Summer inventory for the Fall.  This is prime time to shop for shrubs, and perennials that maybe had a hard summer in a pot and really just need a good home in the garden to get back on track.  A purchase that normally would have cost you $40 could be cut to $15-20 easily.  At those prices, why wouldn't you want to plant in the Fall instead of the Spring when the prices have skyrocketed?

Maybe your garden is full, or you really just don't enjoy gardening projects.  At the very least, mulch and fertilize your flower beds this Fall.  The mulch is needed to protect the roots from freezing temps in the winter, and also keeps Fall and Winter weeds from taking over the garden.  The fertilizer will give the roots the food they need to make it through the winter and flush out in the Spring.  Your garden will come away looking fresh without a lot of work on your part.

So roll out the pumpkins because Fall is here!  Happy planting while you enjoy this nice weather!