Fall IS for Planting

Yes contrary to what many folks think, fall is a great time to do some planting to jump start next season. When folks think of fall planting they often limit themselves to fall bulbs. Well think outside the box as, you CAN do some great framework and supplemental planting with end of year nursery stock. Over the next few blog entries I will go over some of the tips and practices to help you be successful planting these new found treasures over the next 6 weeks in the North Country. The outcome: a fuller more robust garden in 2014.

Lets talk about why this is a good time to plant…first and foremost: weather! The cooler temperatures and more frequent rains of September and October offer great conditions for new plantings. Yes this week we are due to see temperatures rise into the high eighties, but we can count on that temperature spike an exception in these oncoming days of autumn. The cooler nights give rise to great growing conditions. Unlike the hot days of summer, the plants are not stressed from the temperature oscillations.

For gardeners not blessed with automated watering systems, the rainfall patterns this time of year naturally offer great help in providing the necessary water to establish your new plantings. That’s not to say you eliminate your watering schedules. Water is king over the first year of a plant for success. But the rainfall will offer you “days off” from your hands on routine.

And what gardener does not like to find a great plant buy? I know I am all about getting a fantastic shrub or perennial for a fraction of it’s original cost! This time of year nurseries tend to have blow out sales on their nursery stock for any number of reasons, lost tags, weeds in the pot not so pretty plants, eliminate inventory for next season, no room to winter over, or just plain need room for upcoming seasonal offerings. Just like the clearance rack at my favorite clothing store, nursery “clearance” areas are like a magnet for me! But buyer beware, there are some tips you will need to know to help you assess a good buy from a bad one. I will discuss this in next week’s entry. These fantastic hydrangea pictured in this entry were purchased just last week at a local nursery. I think I literally skipped out the yard to my truck with delight after review of my sales receipt.

And of course, this practices supports the whole concept of sustainability. You literally “rescue beautiful plants” that could end up in the compost pile, with a nominal investment can consider donations of the plant and your skill sets to your favorite nonprofit, and assist a local business in numerous ways at the end of their growing season. So with a little knowledge and patience to see the garden outcomes revealed next season: Fall IS for Planting.