I suspect I am not alone when I say I often tire of gardening in the fall. However, unlike some who think of spring as the best time to plant I know that fall’s the better time. Therefore, I gather up my trowel and small spade and continue to plant through October and early November. Why?
• Autumn soil is warm and aerated, so plant roots will grow more vigorous and be better suited for survival than those planted in the spring which are then confronted with summer conditions.
• Fall planted perennials and trees will have recovered from transplant shock before the heavy demands of spring growth and summer drought.
• The cool, cloudy days of fall and frequent rains provide ideal transplanting conditions.
• With regard to deciduous plants (those losing their leaves in the winter), they will lose their leaves shortly after planting and enter dormancy.
• Fall plantings will require less attention, especially when it comes to watering and concerns about insect damage.
• Although you might need a sweater or jacket, cooler fall temperatures lend themselves to more pleasant outdoor tasks.
• Plants planted in the fall will not have to compete with germinating weed seeds. As a bonus, they are apt to bloom earlier in the next year.
Ed Myers is a past president of the Irvington Garden Club, an Advanced Master Gardener, and the President of the Garfield Park Master Gardeners. Additionally, he is the steward of both the Benton House Historic and Kile Oak Habitat Gardens. He may be reached by e-mail: EMyers3670@aol.com or 317-503-6139.