It’s time to let you in on a secret that’s not really a
secret
– fall is the best time to plant! The air is cooler so there is
less stress from heat. The soil is still warm, however, so the
plant roots begin to grow. The winter rains wet the ground deeply
and further promote deep root development.
It’s time to let you in on a secret that’s not really a secret – fall is the best time to plant! The air is cooler so there is less stress from heat. The soil is still warm, however, so the plant roots begin to grow. The winter rains wet the ground deeply and further promote deep root development. This strong root system provides an established plant in spring – one that can more fully support the surge of top growth that happens when spring arrives.
Another reason to plant now is plant selection. Consider these:
Lawns
October is still a good month to plant lawns from sod or seed. The cooler temperatures eliminate the need to water several times each day. The lawn fills in thick and lush with less competition from weeds than in spring or summer. And Mother Nature will soon take over the irrigation chores – your lawn will be a thick carpet by the time the stress of summer arrives.
Iceplant
If planted now, it will give you bright color and will be close to filling in the area come spring. Ivies will have rooted well and show good top growth. Use coyote bush for erosion control.
Perennials and bulbs
Plan ahead for next spring and summer. Plant bulbs and flowers now! Consider perennial flowers such as delphiniums, coral bells, daylilies, iris, yarrow, sweet William, foxglove, candytuft and more. Set out now, they will gain a full year’s growth over those planted next spring and you’ll be able to enjoy their blooms much sooner.
Winter flowering plants
Just arriving at the nursery are flowers for winter color to cheer up the bleak dreary days ahead. Try low growing sweet alyssum, pansies, or viola or mid size primrose, calendulas and snapdragons. How about tall stock or again, snapdragons? Climbing or knee-hi sweet peas are always a favorite.
Trees and shrubs
Fall is the best time to plant all landscape trees, shrubs and vines. Treat yourself to camellias, azaleas or daphne. Go native with manzanita or wild lilac. Set your garden ablaze now with trees that “color” in our western fall. The leaves of the liquidambar bring a taste of eastern fall color to the west coast. With a moderate autumn chill, the Chinese tallow tree will produce brilliant translucent red foliage. And the best way to choose a variety is in the fall when you can be assured of the color selection.
Holiday favorites
Plant hollies and berries now for winter decoration indoors and out. Try pomegranates and persimmon for ornamental and edible fruit – or any number of plants, trees and shrubs for interesting and natural holiday arrangements.
– The California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers
