Once the leaves start falling and pumpkin spice lattes come back onto the Starbucks menu, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the cozy vibes of autumn.
But before you break out those gardening gloves one last time, take a step back!
You may feel tempted to try and capitalize on the fleeting warmth of summer, but fall just isn’t the best time for Planting everything in your garden.
In fact, there are some plants you might want to skip altogether during this season.
Fruits & Roses: Hold Off On These Favorites
You might be tempted to add some apple or pear trees to your orchard around this time of year, but it’s actually not the best idea to plant fruit trees during the fall.
They require ample time to establish their root systems before winter sets in and fall planting simply doesn’t give them enough time.
As for roses, they also require a robust root system to withstand the harsh temperatures of winter. So, it’s best to wait until spring when they’ll actually have a fighting chance.
Broadleaf Evergreens: Wrong Timing
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Fall might seem like a fantastic time to get those broadleaf evergreens in the ground, given that they’re “evergreen” after all.
But here’s the thing: Plants like rhododendrons and azaleas are vulnerable to winter winds, which can really dry out their leaves, leading to a not-so-evergreen situation.
That’s why it’s best to wait until the warmer months to give these beauties a home. It’ll give you something to look forward to post-holidays, too.
Cold-Sensitive Shrubs: Wait Until The Spring
While we all wish our gardens were invincible, certain shrubs are a bit more, let’s say, sensitive to the cold.
Plants like oleanders and hibiscus may look great when you buy them in the fall, but they’ll struggle through a winter outdoors.
So, unless you’re willing to bring them inside during the chillier months, it’s best to wait to plant these varieties.
Summer-Blooming Bulbs & Annuals: Don’t Be Fooled
Tulips and daffodils? Great for fall planting. But summer-blooming bulbs like dahlias and gladioli? Not so much.
These guys need warm soil to sprout and plenty of sun to bloom, which they just won’t get if they’re planted in the fall.
The same goes for summer annuals like petunias and marigolds. Just hold that thought until spring.
Tips For Successful Fall Planting
So, you’re probably wondering what you should be planting in the fall.
You can always go for trees and shrubs that are native to your area, as they’re adapted to local soil and climate conditions.
Autumn is also the perfect time for spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and irises, as they need a winter chill to produce those eye-catching flowers.
Better-Suited Plants For Autumn Planting
If you’ve still got the itch to garden this fall, focus on cool-season veggies like kale, spinach, and radishes.
You can also opt for perennial herbs like thyme and oregano, which will come back year after year.
And let’s not forget about mums and asters, fall flowers that add a burst of color just when the rest of the garden starts to fade.
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