I love fall… and so do our plants. I’m often asked, “When is the best time to plant?”
Sometimes I’ll say the best time to plant was yesterday. The next best is today. But really, fall is fantastic for planting—less stress on the plants and the gardener.
Autumn: The Perfect Time to Plant
People’s thoughts usually turn to landscaping in the spring after a winter of “cabin fever.” Over the years, this has translated into the old wisdom: “spring is the best time to plant.” But in most cases, in our part of the country, that is not true.
There are four basic requirements that need to be present for a plant to establish itself most quickly in your yard:
1. Warm soil temperatures
2. Sufficient soil moisture
3. Cool air temperatures
4. Inactivity of the plant top
Soil moisture and warm soil temperatures are necessary for root growth. Roots will grow any time the soil temperature is above 40°, whether the plant is in leaf or not. In the spring, soil moisture is usually good, air temperatures are low, and the top portions of the plant are usually inactive. Except for low soil temperature, the conditions would appear to be very good for plant establishment.
However, as soil temperatures warm in spring, the top becomes active (growth starts).
The situation then becomes one of an active top with a limited root system. When a plant is planted in the fall, the top is relatively inactive, soon to become completely inactive. Soil moisture may be low but can be supplemented by irrigation. Day and night temperatures tend to be cooler. Most importantly, the soil temperature is warm and usually stays warm well into winter in the Rogue Valley. This means the plant has the means to establish new roots while the top portion is not growing.
While most landscape plants can be planted any time of year, they establish more quickly—and with less stress—when planted in the fall.
Fall is truly the time for planting!
If any of these ideas stimulate your thoughts, or if you find yourself simply desiring fresh air and country views…
Come on, let’s go… you’ll be glad you did!
We would love to share all our October favorites with you… and we’ll be glad you came.
Your Friends,
Paul & the Valley View Crew
