Fall is for Planting
When summer ends, many gardeners start thinking about putting the garden to bed. But here on the West Coast, fall is actually one of the best times to plant.
The combination of cooler air, warm soil and more consistent moisture creates excellent conditions for trees, shrubs and perennials to establish their roots. While the garden above ground may be slowing down, there is still plenty happening below the soil and preparing for next spring.
If you have been waiting until spring to plant, keep reading to see why fall deserves a spot on your gardening calendar.
1. Warm Soil Helps Roots Get Established
One of the biggest advantages of fall planting is that the soil stays warm after summer.
Even as daytime temperatures cool, the ground can remain warm enough for roots to continue growing. This gives newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials time to establish their root systems before winter. So by spring, fall-planted plants already have a head start.
2. Cooler Air Means Less Stress
Planting during the heat of summer can be stressful for newly transplanted plants. Hot temperatures increase water loss through the leaves, while new roots are still getting established.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight, which can make the transition into a new garden location easier. This means generally less stress on the plant above ground while its roots focus on settling in below ground.
3. Fall Rain Does the Watering for You
This is a particularly useful advantage for us West Coast gardeners.
After the dry summer months, fall usually brings more consistent rainfall to Metro Vancouver. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials still need regular watering while their roots establish, but natural rainfall can help reduce the amount of supplemental watering required.
4. Plants Have Time to Establish Before Spring
When you plant in fall, you’re not waiting until spring for the plant to start growing.
Roots can continue developing while the plant’s above-ground growth slows down. Once spring arrives, an established root system allows the plant to take advantage of increasing temperatures and longer days. This can mean stronger establishment as the growing season gets underway.
What Can You Plant in Fall?
In Metro Vancouver and much of coastal BC, there are plenty of favourites to be planted in autumn:
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Perennials
- Spring-flowering bulbs
- Garlic
- Japanese maples
- Hydrangeas
- Fruit trees
- Ornamental grasses
- Groundcovers
- Fall containers and seasonal colour
The exact timing depends on the plant, weather and growing conditions, so always check the recommended planting window for the variety you’re choosing.
How to Plant for the Best Results
Fall planting is straightforward, but a few simple steps can make a big difference.
- Choose the right location: Check the plant’s requirements for sunlight, mature size, soil and drainage before planting
- Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. If needed, incorporate quality organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage.
- Don’t plant too deeply: The top of the root ball should be positioned correctly for the specific plant. Avoid burying the trunk or crown under extra soil.
- Water thoroughly: Give newly planted plants a deep watering after planting. Continue checking moisture levels throughout fall, particularly during periods without rain.
- Add mulch: A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture, moderate soil temperatures and reduce competition from weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk or main stems.
One of the advantages of gardening in coastal BC is our relatively mild climate and long planting season. Fall planting can continue well beyond the traditional end of summer, as long as the soil is workable and conditions are suitable for the plant.
Rather than thinking of fall as the end of gardening season, think of it as another opportunity to plant.
Fall Is for Planting
For gardeners who are used to thinking of spring as the main planting season, fall can come as a surprise. But on the West Coast, cooler temperatures, warm soil and seasonal rainfall make fall an excellent time to establish many trees, shrubs and perennials.
So before you put away your gardening gloves, take another look at your garden… There is still plenty of planting to do!
Visit Hunters Garden Centre in Surrey and Vancouver for trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and more to plant this fall.
