Your Guide to Fall Gardening: What To Plant & When

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, fall emerges as a golden opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to prepare their landscapes for the cooler months ahead. Fall gardening isn’t just about tidying up your summer beds; it’s also the perfect time to plant a variety of crops, flowers, and shrubs that will thrive in the cooler temperatures. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you make the most of your fall garden by showing you what to plant and when.

Why Fall Gardening?

Fall gardening offers several advantages that make it a great season for planting. Cooler temperatures reduce the stress on new plants, and the soil remains warm enough to encourage strong root development. Additionally, pests and weeds are less active, making it easier to manage your garden.

Tip: Take advantage of fall’s mild weather to get a head start on spring. Many plants established in the fall will have a robust root system by the time spring arrives, leading to healthier and more vigorous growth.

Vegetables to Plant in Fall

Fall is an excellent time to plant a variety of cool-season vegetables that prefer the crisp air and shorter days. Here are some top choices:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested well into the fall.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips can be sown directly into the soil. They develop their best flavor in the cooler weather, and some even become sweeter after a light frost.
• Brassicas: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are hardy vegetables that perform well in fall gardens. They benefit from the cooler weather and are less likely to bolt than in the summer heat.
• Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in the fall for a summer harvest. Garlic requires a long growing season, and fall planting ensures a strong start.

When to Plant: Most cool-season vegetables should be planted in late summer to early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Garlic, however, is best planted in mid to late fall.

Flowers to Plant in Fall

While many people associate spring with planting flowers, fall is also a great time to add some color to your garden with cool-season annuals and perennials. Here are a few options:

• Mums: Chrysanthemums are the quintessential fall flower, providing vibrant bursts of color from late summer through the first frost. Plant them in early fall to allow their roots to establish before winter.
• Pansies & Violas: These hardy flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frost, making them ideal for fall planting. They’ll provide color throughout the fall and often bloom again in early spring.
• Asters: Asters are late-blooming perennials that add a splash of purple, pink, or blue to your garden. Plant them in early fall for a beautiful autumn display.
• Ornamental Kale & Cabbage: These plants are not only edible but also serve as striking ornamental additions to your garden with their vibrant foliage. Plant them in early to mid-fall.

When to Plant: Plant fall flowers in early to mid-fall to give them enough time to establish before the first frost. For perennials, fall planting allows them to focus on root development over the winter, leading to stronger growth in the spring.

Bulbs to Plant in Fall for Spring Blooms

If you want a garden full of blooms next spring, fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Some popular choices include:

• Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs in mid to late fall. They require a period of cold dormancy, which makes fall planting essential for spring blooms.
• Daffodils: These hardy bulbs are best planted in early to mid-fall. They’re less prone to being eaten by pests and provide cheerful yellow blooms in the spring.
• Crocuses: Plant crocus bulbs in early fall for some of the earliest spring blooms. These small but mighty flowers can even push through late snow.
• Hyacinths: Known for their fragrant blooms, hyacinths should be planted in mid to late fall. They add a pop of color and scent to your spring garden.

When to Plant: Plant bulbs in mid to late fall, once the soil has cooled but before it freezes. This timing ensures that the bulbs undergo the necessary chilling period to bloom in the spring.

Shrubs & Trees to Plant in Fall

Fall is also an ideal time to plant shrubs and trees, as the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help them establish strong root systems before winter. Some great options include:

• Maples: Known for their stunning fall foliage, maple trees make a beautiful addition to any landscape. Plant them early to mid-fall to give them time to establish before winter.
• Evergreens: Planting evergreens like pine, spruce, and holly in the fall ensures that they have time to develop roots, helping them withstand winter conditions.
• Rhododendrons & Azaleas: These flowering shrubs do well when planted in the fall, as they can establish roots without the stress of summer heat.
• Fruit Trees: Apples, pears, and plums are best planted in the fall. This allows the trees to establish roots over the winter and get a strong start in the spring.
• When to Plant: Plant shrubs and trees in early to mid-fall, ideally about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This timing gives them enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes.

Fall Garden Maintenance Tips

In addition to planting, fall is also the time to prepare your garden for winter. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your garden healthy:

• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. Mulch also protects the roots of perennials and bulbs during the winter.
• Watering: While the weather is cooler, don’t forget to water your garden regularly. Plants still need moisture to establish roots, especially newly planted ones.
• Clean Up: Remove any dead or diseased plant material from your garden to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Compost healthy plant debris to enrich your soil.
• Protect Tender Plants: If you have tender perennials or late-blooming plants, consider covering them with a frost cloth or moving potted plants indoors to protect them from early frosts.

Fall gardening is a rewarding way to extend your growing season and set the stage for a beautiful spring garden. By choosing the right plants and timing your planting appropriately, you can enjoy a productive and vibrant garden well into the cooler months. So, grab your gardening gloves, embrace the crisp autumn air, and get planting—your garden will thank you come spring and until next week, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!