Fall Planting: 7 Reasons Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant

You might be surprised to know that the best time for gardeners to plant is in the fall. Warm soil, cool temperature, and optimal rainfall make everything perfect!

Skipping fall planting means you have missed the opportunity to give your garden a head start for the next growing season. This season helps the plant develop stronger roots and settle well to withstand winter and hot summer (thanks to warm soil and cool days!).

So, if you're considering adding new plants to your garden, now's the time to start. This guide will answer all your questions about fall planting, including the best timing and why fall is an excellent season for it.

What is The Best Time to Plant?

When it comes to the best time to plant in fall, remember the 6-week rule, six weeks before winter. This time frame provides an excellent opportunity for roots to establish.

September, October, and November are perfect and enjoyable times for planting in the fall.

To get a fall harvest, you plant in mid to late summer. Likewise, you should plant in the fall to yield next year's summer harvest. You can grow evergreen shrubs and plants in the autumn season. Because as soon as winter rolls in, the soil freezes, and no new plants can be grown.

7 Reasons Why Fall Is a Great Time to Plant?

Planting in fall has huge benefits, as cooler weather is better for your plants and you. Let's jump straight to it:

1. Perfect Soil Conditions

With the end of hot summer and the start of the cooler autumn, the favorable time for plants' fall-planting time sets in. The soil, which is already warm from the summer heat, is ready to dig in new plants.

It's even more fascinating that, at this time, plants no longer put their energy into top growth. They are more focused on developing the root system. The stronger the root system, the better the plants will bear chilly winter and hot summer.

Furthermore, if planted in the fall, you are more likely to witness the blossoms of spring, which wouldn't be possible if you're planted in spring.

2. Less Watering

In summer and spring, plants need more water because of shoot or top growth. Plants demand less water in fall as shoot growth decreases and root growth increases. For most vegetables, one inch per week of water is sufficient.

Another reason is that fall has a good amount of rainfall. Natural rainfall is healthier for plants than irrigation water. Rainwater has a balanced pH and is evenly distributed to the entire plant, maintaining the plant's growth.

Fall planting is also environmentally friendly, as rainfall reduces the need for constant watering and conserves water. It's also better for you, as it requires less effort to keep plants hydrated. However, you will still need water if the weather becomes dry and windy.

3. Fewer Pests and Diseases

Pests constantly threaten plants, and summers are notorious for pest attacks and diseases. But fall is perfect for gardeners and gardens as there is less stress from insects.

At this time, insects are either dead or in hibernation. The dry air and cooler autumn temperature also halt pest growth. This means you can plant without worrying about pests and without wasting energy on killing gnats and other insects.

Note: It is important to note that you shouldn't relax entirely as some species, like rodents, are active underground, so keep pest control measures handy.

4. Less Weed Competition

Weeds compete with new plants for resources like food, water, and sunlight, making it tough for them to survive. In spring, this competition becomes intense, making it challenging for baby plants to thrive. Fortunately, weed growth significantly reduces or disappears in fall, giving gardeners a break.

There's still a chance that some weeds may lie dormant in fall, only to emerge in February and March, making them harder to manage. However, you can control these cool season weeds early using herbicides or manually handpicking to give your plants better space to flourish.

5. Suitable Time to Compost

Fall is the season for fertilizing. It is a perfect time to transform your garden into a beautiful garden of flowers and plants. This season follows the summer heat and dormancy, providing a favorable plant environment.

Plants can grow stronger without external stress due to fall's cooler air and predictable rainfall. It is the best time to add compost to the soil. Compost is a nutrient-rich organic material added to plants to retain moisture and reduce the risk of pests.

6. Fast Seed Germination

Cool temperatures, warm soil conditions, adequate moisture, and low humidity provide a favorable stage for easy and fast seed germination. There is no competition from weeds that may hamper the plant's growth.

Fall seeding is beneficial, resulting in healthy plants that can tolerate harsh weather. The best time to sow seedlings in the fall is ember. Some seeds that are suitable to plant include sunflower, poppies, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, and garden grass.

7. Stress Relief

Fall planting is a stress reliever for gardeners! Yes, you heard it right! Planting in the scorching heat of summer is super tough, and pest attacks can wreck your hard work. Likewise, spring has some challenges, as heavy rains make the soil muddy and difficult to plant.

However, fall is an exception. The weather is cool, the soil is moist, and pests and weeds are less. New plants can easily transition to the next weather as their roots are well-established.

Also, you have fewer after-planting chores like watering, weeding, and spraying. On top of all that, who doesn't like to be in cool, breezy weather?

Which Plants to Grow in the Fall?

Some plants that are suitable to grow in fall are:

1. Bulbs

Spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils are best planted in the fall. They need a winter resting stage to bloom beautifully in the spring. Try to plant them six weeks before the soil freezes or when the night temperature drops to 50 degrees for two weeks. This gives bulb roots enough time to establish stronger roots.

2. Cool Season Annuals

Some cool-season plants, like Pansies and Violas, are best planted in the fall. The still-warm soil gives them enough time to grow and bear cold winters. You have two seasons to see these beauties as they bloom again in spring. A thick layer of mulch is necessary to protect them from harsh, freezing weather.

3. Spring Season Vegetables

Fall planting is the best for green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, mustard green, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, and parsley. It's because these vegetables require cool temperatures to germinate and mature quickly.

Additionally, root vegetables such as turnip, radish, and beets are planted in the fall, as they grow within 2 months. On the other hand, onion and garlic cloves, planted in fall, are harvested in late spring or summer.

4. Trees, Shrubs, Perennials

After the fall sets in, the soil is still warm from the summer heat, providing a suitable environment for trees, deciduous shrubs, and perennials.

The optimal combination of rain and temperature promotes a healthy and robust root system while slowing top growth. So, plant them at least four to six weeks before winter.

5. Lawn

Fall is a time to establish turf grass in your garden. You can either sprinkle seeds wherever you want to create a brand-new lawn or lay down sod for immediate results. Whichever method you use, keep your lawn well-watered with a sprinkler system until freezing temperature arrives to provide a healthy foundation.

5 Tips for Fall Planting

1. Do Proper Research: For fall gardening, do proper research and plan which plants are ideal to get a space in your landscape.
2. Mind the Timing: Time is essential when it comes to planting, and keep checking conditions, as winter will make the soil unfit for planting.
3. Plant Bulbs at the Right Depth: Consider proper depth while planting bulbs. It should be 2–3 times the depth of the bulb.
4. Add Mulch: Add 3-inch-thick layers of mulch around plants to preserve moisture, suppress weeds, improve soil quality, and protect roots from winter frost.
5. Water Your Plants: Properly water your plants to moisten the soil if rainwater isn't enough.

The Bottom Line

Fall planting is highly rewarding, and you will reap the benefits in the coming seasons. Fall provides exactly what gardeners want, from an ideal environment and less watering to fewer pests and less weed competition.

Still, it should be kept in mind that not all plants are suitable to grow in this season. Choose plants wisely and according to your climate, only then you'll be able to enjoy planting in the fall.

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