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More About Fall Planting
By Cindy Bellinger

Continuing with last week's article--It's almost a genetic reflex to plant in the spring. So getting into fall planting sometimes requires a new mind-set. But go ahead, give it a try. And just think. If you plant now, you'll have a garden all set to bloom come springtime.

Watering

Fall planting is better from a water-use perspective because--

• As plants begin to go dormant in the fall, they use less water.
• The soil is cooler in the fall, so it stores moisture better.
• Watering is easier, because you have to water less frequently.
• Fall is less windy than spring. Wind dries out the soil quicker and dehydrates plants.

Though you use less water in the fall, water is still crucial during these fading and dormant periods. Water regularly through the fall months, decreasing frequency as the daytime temperatures cool in late October and November. 

Watering after planting
From 2-4 weeks after planting, plants should be rooted, especially if Superthrive root stimulator is used at the time. Once a plant is established, watering frequency can be reduced.

When the soil begins to freeze, soak it once every 2-3 weeks through the winter months, except when it is very cold and the ground is frozen solid.

Mulching after planting
Mulching is also essential to successful fall planting. Whether you use bark, pecan shells, gravel or Soil Mender Mulch, mulch keeps flowers, shrubs, trees and plants from drying out. It also keeps the soil frozen during the early spring months to prevent frost heaving of the roots, which is another subject all its own.

Recommended Plants for Fall Planting
Hardy deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials. All narrow leaf evergreens and broadleaf evergreen shrubs in Zone 5 and under. Pansies and shrub roses are excellent for fall planting.

Compared to spring-planted perennials, which suffer a period of transplant shock, plants installed in the fall grow more rapidly in the spring and have better root growth and show more vigorous top growth.

Read My Little Garden Patch - gardening column by Cindy Bellinger.


A Plantsman's Xeric Picks
David Salman Featured on NPR

Chief Horticulturist and President of Santa Fe Greenhouses/High Country Gardens was interviewed for NPR's Morning Edition. View the Article and Listen to the Interview Here.