Fall Is For Planting The cool temperatures and increased rainfall make Fall a great time to plant. Provided you plant in early fall, there is sufficient time to get roots of trees and shrubs established, as they will grow anytime the soil is 40 degrees or higher. Keep in mind, soil temperature is warmer than the surrounding air above. Trees and shrubs planted now will continue to produce roots though the winter, even if the rest of the plant is dormant. Select balled-and- burlapped or container grown plants for fall planting. Bare-root plants should only be planted in late winter or early spring while plants are still dormant. You can also safely plant new perennials or divide existing plants to fill in areas of your garden. Feed plants with a small amount of organic plant food low in nitrogen to give the roots a boost without pushing new growth. Water plants thoroughly when needed to supply about 1” of water per week. Continue watering until the ground is frozen, even after deciduous plants have lost their leaves. Add a 2-4” layer of mulch to prevent soil temperature fluctuations caused by freezing and thawing of the ground during harsh winter weather. Fall is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus. Be sure to plant them at the correct depth as they could freeze if not planted deep enough. A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb three times as deep as its size. It is best to get them in the ground by the end of October to allow time to get roots established before the winter freeze. When planting mums in the fall garden, plant before the end of October. Mulch them well to keep from freezing and ensure they will come back next year. Or, you can enjoy them in containers in September and early October and then get them in the ground. Remember to keep it watered in the container, because if it dies in the pot, planting it in the ground will not bring it back to life! Look for fall Magic Proven Winners, Icicle Pansies, and flowering kale and cabbage and a full selection of sensational ornamental grasses and for great color choices for the fall garden. Our greenhouses and nursery are full of fabulous fall plant selections! Stop in soon - our fall display gardens will inspire you!