Gardening Tips - Fall

Fall Planting

The leaves on the trees are changing. You've got to put on that jacket before you take off to work in the morning. Fall is here and winter is coming, way too late to plant trees and shrubs - right? Wrong! We've been planting trees and shrubs every fall and winter since 1952. As long as you can dig a hole in the ground, it's a good time to plant! But what is the benefit of planting something that you won't enjoy appearance wise until next spring? Simple, as long as the soil around the root ball of the plant is not frozen, the plant will be actively enhancing its root system. What, you thought that because there weren't any leaves on the plant it was totally dormant? Nope, in fact, the plant is working harder at growing roots because it doesn't have to try and support anything on the top. So this will translate into a larger growth spurt in early spring, a fuller looking plant in late spring, and, best of all, better tolerance to high temperatures and lack of rain in the summer.

There are some steps you can take to ensure success. First, use peat moss, gypsum, and Fertilome Root Stimulator while you fill in the hole around your new purchase. If you are working with a tree, consider using tree wrap on the main trunk(s) from ground level to the first branches before you stake the tree. The use of tree wrap will help reduce sunscald on the trunks and moisture loss. Leave those stakes on for a year. Second, mulch. This will help lock moisture in and keep the soil a little warmer. Third, do not forget to water your new purchases. Now you know that the plant is growing though out the year, water will always be needed if there isn't enough snow or rain. About once a month will be enough. Pick a day where the temperature is above 40. Mix in some Fertilome Root Stimulator, after all, the roots can use it.