It’s tempting to see autumn only as the time when we clean up our yards, but smart gardeners know it’s a great season to get ahead. Cool temperatures, warmed-up soil and rainy conditions create the ideal conditions for new plants to take root.
“The ground is also more workable than in summer, when it can be rock-hard after weeks of little rain,” says Dana Garretson, nursery sales associate at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center, in Crystal Lake and Elburn. “Weeds are less prolific in the fall, so you can cut new planting beds without the rampant weed growth we get in the spring.”
Fall plantings do require a different mindset and some strategy because it’s so close to winter.
Perennials are your best starting point. Things like hostas, daylilies, sedum and grasses need time to establish their roots, so get them in the ground by mid-October.
Evergreens and shrubs also should be planted by mid-October. Deciduous trees – like maples, crabapples and lindens – don’t need as much winter energy as an evergreen, so they can go in the ground until it’s frozen, says Garretson.
Fall is a great time to shop at your local flower nursery, as you’ll find many plants on super-sale. Avoid pruning them, as that encourages tender new growth. Keep them watered and add some mulch to create a blanket.
“And pay attention to plant hardiness zones,” says Garretson. “While we’ve recently been classified a 5, that’s based on average temperatures and doesn’t reflect the occasional severe temperatures. For trees, shrubs and long-term plantings, plan on Zone 4 hardiness.”
If you’re ever in doubt, turn to the experts at your local nursery.
“We can keep you up-to-date on freeze warnings and ongoing plant care, and we’ll give you tips for growing things successfully,” says Garretson.
Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center is located at 5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave. in Crystal Lake and 42W075 ll. Rt. 38 in Elburn.