Fall is setting in, which means that it’s the perfect time to start planting your bulbs, pansies, viola, and other flowers and greenery before winter sets in. The scorching summer months are over, which means that the soil is still warm enough for root growth but you can get a lot of gardening and turfgrass seeding done without needing a break from all the heat!
Other advantages of fall planting include:
- Most pests and sources of disease are no longer in the picture.
- The autumn rain will get the new plants and greenery off to a well-nourished start.
- You can stock up on bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees from ‘end of season’ sales at your local garden centre.
By getting started now, you’ll enjoy a lush and beautiful lawn and garden in the spring.
Perennials
If you’re planting perennials in the fall, look for larger plants with strong and healthy roots. Ideally, you will want to plant them about six weeks before the first frost of the season and water well afterward to encourage root growth. Spread a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from cyclical freezing and thawing.
Don’t fertilize perennials until spring, as any fresh growth will likely be killed off when temperatures drop below freezing and hold off on planting fall-blooming perennials like chrysanthemums and asters until spring.
Spring Bulbs
Bulbs that bloom in spring need to go through a cold spell first, which is why it’s necessary to plant them in fall. Garden mainstays like daffodils and tulips should be in the ground approximately six weeks before the first frost appears, so they are ready to ‘spring’ into action when warmer temperatures set in.
Here are some examples of great spring bulbs you can plant now:
- Tulips: These bright flowers are a classic for a reason: their vibrant colours and iconic shape are 100% ‘spring.’ If you water sparingly and make sure the garden soil has a lot of drainage, you can expect positive results.
- Daffodils: Beautiful and elegant, daffodils are easy to grow and can last for decades without any maintenance, so you can plant them and forget about them!
- Hyacinths: Hyacinths grow in breathtaking clusters and have an irresistible fragrance. For a successful spring bloom, plant them in full sun to partial sun and give them well-draining soil.
Pansies and Violas
Pansies and violas are excellent fall options because their roots are hardy and will grow enough to withstand the winter. Once spring arrives, they’ll start blooming again. For best results, plant varieties that are hardier during the cold season and add a thick layer of mulch once the soil freezes, so that they’re insulated during the freezing and thawing cycles.
Trees and Shrubs
Plant trees and shrubs when the weather cools down but the soil is still warm enough for root development. Plant trees and shrubs now and keep them well-watered until the ground freezes so that they get a good head start before the winter chill makes them dormant.
Tip: Before you dig, check with your local utility companies to determine whether any underground lines exist on your property.
Turf Grass
Fall is the best time to plant new turf grass, either by seeding or laying sod. If you’re establishing a new lawn, seeding is easier and more cost-effective, but sod will provide faster results if time is an issue. Keep the seeds or grass well-watered until the colder temperatures arrive.
How About Some Landscaping to Go With Your Greenery?
The only thing better than a lush green lawn and garden is a well-landscaped one! Green Collar Landscaping offers a variety of services that include sodding, tree and shrub care, lawn maintenance, hardscaping, and both fall and spring cleanup. Our depth of experience makes us an effective partner for the entire lifecycle of your landscape, so contact us today to get your free quote!