Spring planting in the fall is gaining popularity since it has been proven to have many benefits. If you’re looking for the perfect season to start planting, then search no more — fall is here! For many of us, spring has been the favorite season for gardening.
Reasons for Spring Planting in Fall
Why the fall? The primary reason is plants' opportunity to grow without frequent watering or any substantial interaction for establishing themselves. The most well-known reasons for fall-spring planting are:
- The weather allows you to do all the heavy lifting. I am sure you've experienced the hot summer days in the garden; you either have to start quite early in the morning or just get ready to face the hot, blistering sun till it is time for lunch. Fall lets you enjoy the garden as much as you like, along with the cool breeze.
- Fall is gentle with the plants. Since most plants go dormant right before winter, they can enjoy the prolonged rainfall and become better acclimated with the existing ones that have been planted first.
- Sufficient management of pests and diseases. As plants go dormant in the fall, the same happens for the weeds and some pests — they like to chew on the leaves and stems when the plants start to show new growth. Fall has been proven to be better for new planting since it allows the plants to go through a smoother transition.
- The plants will get stronger root systems. Since the transition of the plants gets smoother, this results in extra time that the plants can use to develop stronger roots. The leaves and branches may not grow much, but the roots will continue to grow underneath the plant. The earlier you begin, the better it will be since you will have at least 4-7 weeks before winter starts.
The Benefits of Garden Planting in Fall
Once you try the whole planting in September, you’ll never want to go back to the way you used to do it. Most of us are really used to working with extreme weather conditions in the garden, and it has now become easy to deal with. Here is why:
- Rain. Fall is recovery season for the plants that spent their endless days under the sunlight. It is a great chance to implement any new changes into your garden as well since you will notice that the existing plants will start doing better, leading the way for future ones.
- The soil remains warm. Since it stays exposed to the sun all day, the soil will stay warm until the ground freezes towards the beginning of December. This will help the plants grow healthy roots, stems, and leaves. They will also get ready to welcome the spring with their flowering (if they got it available).
Gardening Tips for Fall Planting
With the right preparation and materials, the goal is to create a well-established garden with healthy plants and nicely grown crops. Here are some extra tips before you start your fall planting:
- Pull out the annual seeds and store them properly. If you plan to use your annual seeds next year, pull them out before the ground starts to freeze to prevent them from dying and spreading unnecessarily until spring.
- Take care of your spring bulbs. Instead of waiting till spring to grow your spring bulbs, plant them now so they can have adequate time to grow by spring. Make sure to water them thoroughly to help them get established.
- Use mulch. Mulch is a great tool that allows you to keep the soil warm while it helps the plants maintain the right levels of nutrients and organic matter till the cold weather makes its first appearance.
- Prune. Pruning will guarantee you a productive year toward spring and summer since it gives the plants the right amount of time to get stronger.
- Make sure to fertilize. The last and most important part of the journey. Don’t forget to give the necessary plant food — the rain will help you in the best way possible since it will spread the fertilizer deeper with extra force.
FAQ
Can We Plant Spring Seeds in Fall?
Absolutely! It is suggested to do so because it gives them the right time to grow and become stronger.
Is it Better to Plant in the Fall or the Spring?
It is better to do it in the fall because you can avoid many pests and diseases that can attack the vegetables with heat. Colder weather helps the harvest stay safe.
Why Planting in the Fall is Best?
The plants can grow stronger roots and feel less stressed when the weather is colder. Diseases aren’t around, and the pleasant breeze makes it easier to manage the workload.
Is Fall a Good Time to Plant Perennials?
Absolutely! The plants will be able to grow strong with less stress. Spring also has its advantages, but fall has been proven to be beneficial mostly because of the comfortable conditions it provides for the plants.
