Summer’s extreme heat waves and harsh rays make it hard for plants to thrive without constant attention and maintenance. When it comes to adding new plants to your garden, the best time to plant is when the weather cools down but the soil is still warm enough to retain moisture. By taking the time to plan your planting process in the fall, you’ll have beautiful blooms come spring and summer. Read on to learn more about the best plants to plant in the fall.
Perennials
The best part about perennials is that once they have been planted and established, they will continue to come back stronger each year (with proper care of course). The best time to plant perennials is in the fall. Once planted, ensure they are watered thoroughly to establish strong roots before winter freezes over. The same goes if you are dividing and transplanting longer-lived perennials. For winter protection, leave 3 inches of mulch or shredded leaves around the base of the plant on the soil. This will allow your perennials to be ready for maximum growth come spring.
Trees & Shrubs
Much like our perennial friends, autumn is the best time for the planting and development of trees and shrubs. They will need to be planted with their natural soil lines and watered extremely well until winter comes. With any trees or shrubs, you can wrap them in burlap as a precautionary measure to ensure they are protected (but this is not a requirement).
Tip: Check with your city to make sure that you do not have any underground wiring or lines in the spaces you want to plant. Since they are much larger than perennials, you will need a bigger and deeper hole.
Spring-Blooming Bulbs
This category includes, but is not limited to, Tulips, Hyacinths, English Bluebells and Spring Cheer Daffodils. They need to be planted in the fall because a period of cold helps them to bloom fully come springtime. Their wide variety of all different colours, sizes, and bloom times, make them very desirable and popular. There is definitely something for everyone and every garden, so make sure you consult with a professional on what would best suit your yard and satisfy your needs.
Turf Grass & Sod
Adding in new turf grass will fully complete your yard making it picture perfect! Fall is the best time for seeding or lying down fresh sod. For the financially sensitive route, seeding is your go-to solution. To repair a patch or sparse lawn, you must rake well to expose the soil, then add in grass seeds in your designated areas. Make sure to lightly cover with compost or straw and water very well until the harsh cold arrives. For more immediate results, try connecting with a landscaping pro about laying down sod for your lawn.
Timing not only matters but is crucial in your plant’s life. Alleviate some stress come spring by finding and planting the majority of your garden in the fall. This will allow enough time for them to become established and ready to flourish just in time for our sunny Canadian summers! If you need help maintaining or starting your garden this fall, connect with a landscaper on HomeStars for all your lawn care needs.
