Fallscaping- the benefits of fall planting

Fall is in the air.  It may not seem like it with the smoke and the temps still in the 90s.  But the days are getting shorter and we know that cooler temperatures and autumn rains are right around the corner.

You won’t want to miss that prime opportunity to get planting.  Fall is the best time to plant in the Rogue Valley.  Especially higher investment plants like shade trees.  There is less stress involved when transplanting them during cool weather and when they have started to go dormant.  We like to define fall as when we start to get some rain, the days have cooled off and are shorter.  That can mean late September or early to mid October.  The Rogue Valley doesn’t have the extreme winters of the east coast, so we can enjoy fall planting into November and December when trees and deciduous shrubs are fully dormant.

Top 5 Reasons for Planting in the Fall~

1. Cool weather means less stress on the plants (and the gardeners!).
2. The soil is still warm so root growth continues during the fall months; getting the plant better established for the following summer.
3. You can plant more drought tolerant plants and have to water them less because they will be more established than a spring planting.  If we have a dry fall, you will still need to water deeply until the rain is more consistent.
4. You can plant more natives and support wildlife and local habitat.  – Natives will have happier roots with a fall planting.
5. The soil is easier to work with over the wet soils of spring.  So make the most of those crisp autumn days!

The nursery has a whole series of fall classes to support you in your gardening endeavors.  We are fully stocked for fall, it won’t be the dregs left over from summer.   Fall is a great time to add some color or texture to your garden.  Think ornamental grasses, seed heads, and crimson fall leaves. If you think you need an expert eye on your landscape, contact us about our design and consult services.  Happy Planting!