Fall Planting Tips for Success

Fall planting is ideal for expanding gardens and getting spring-flowering perennials and bulbs in the soil before winter. There is no better time to refresh the landscape and plant! Read on for tips on how to take advantage of all that autumn offers.

Many Benefits of Fall Planting

Autumn’s sunny, mild days make it comfortable to garden. With fall planting, digging is easy because soil is still warm from summer. Roots have time to become established before winter. Weeds have receded, so there is more open space with which to dabble. What’s more, empty spots present design opportunities. Typically higher rainfall levels in autumn mean less watering. Another plus is there are fewer pests this time of year.

What to Plant in Fall for Spring

Spring-flowering bulbs must be planted in fall, and perennials can be as well. As you make a fall planting list, confirm your growing zone, so plant choices align with your climate conditions. Before you plant, be sure to mark your gardening calendar with frost dates for your climate. This information will be very helpful in setting up a planting schedule.

Whether you choose to select plants online, at a local nursery, or a combination of both, you will have many lovely options for planting spring-flowering bulbs and perennials this fall. Contact your local county extension office for lists of plants and other gardening advice for your area.

Ground Prep and Dividing Plants

*Fortify soil for in-ground plantings with organic matter such as compost, composted manure and peat moss.
*Water perennials in their containers before removing plants. The ground should not be very dry or muddy.
*Gently massage the roots to separate them if they have been pot bound.
*Follow plant tag instructions for planting depth and spacing.
*After planting, put a light layer of mulch around plants to prevent weeds and keep roots cool. Avoid covering the plant’s crown.
*Plants that have grown too big for their space and/or those that are lackluster can be divided and replanted now. Here is a guide on dividing plants from Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Protect Fall Plantings From Deer

Deer gravitate to freshly dug garden spots. The secret to keeping bulbs safe from deer and other pests is to use eco-friendly Bobbex-R Animal Repellent as a protective dip before planting. Remove loose and dried plant tissue around the bulbs. Dip bulbs in Bobbex-R right from the bottle. Let bulbs soak for 3-5 minutes, remove, and let them air dry before planting. After planting, spray the soil with Bobbex-R for additional protection.

Protect newly planted perennials with # 1-rated Bobbex Deer Repellent. Comprised of organic elements including cloves, garlic and fish oil, Bobbex turns deer away when they detect the scent or nibble a plant. The smell is only evident to people for 24 hours, but much longer to deer. Eco-friendly, topical Bobbex is long lasting, won’t wash off, and dries on clear so plant beauty is preserved. The formula acts as a barrier to pests. While keeping animals away, Bobbex also keeps moisture in.

Fall Plantings Turn to Spring Blooms

Fall is one of nature’s gifts to spring! The warm soil, mild temperatures, and dormancy period contribute to slow and robust plant development. When planted in fall, perennials and bulbs emerge in spring with award-winning beauty and vigor.