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Cold + Bold Canada - Sharon Murphy - Six Advantages of Autumn Garden Planting

Autumn is far more than a time for retreating indoors and tidying the remains of summer's bounty out of the garden. In fact, this golden season offers gardeners a unique and valuable chance to refine their landscapes by planting new perennials, trees, and shrubs—or even relocating established ones.

Contributors: Sharon Murphy of gardeningwithsharon.com

Six Advantages of Autumn Garden Planting

 

Six Advantages of Autumn Garden Planting

Autumn is far more than a time for retreating indoors and tidying the remains of summer's bounty out of the garden. In fact, this golden season offers gardeners a unique and valuable chance to refine their landscapes by planting new perennials, trees, and shrubs—or even relocating established ones.

If you've been waiting for spring to make changes, there's no need for delay, because fall presents several advantages that set the stage for garden success and here's why:

1. The arrival of cooler temperatures in Autumn marks a dramatic shift in the environment for both plants and gardeners alike.

This is a time when the earth is still warm from months of sunlight, yet the air has cooled, creating ideal conditions for root growth and plant establishment.

The unique interplay of soil warmth and moderate temperatures means a reduction in transplant shock because roots can continue to develop underground even as the foliage above prepares for dormancy.

2. As the intensity of summer's heat fades, the metabolic demands of plants decrease.

Autumn's mild climate acts as a gentle welcome, allowing plants to acclimate gradually with lower levels of sunlight and cooler evenings.

These natural changes mean that newly planted specimens are less likely to experience stress and dehydration, as the soil retains moisture more effectively and evaporation slows.

Without the burden of battling high heat or drought, plants can channel their energy into developing robust root systems, establishing a solid foundation before winter.

3. Autumn also brings a natural lull in competition for resources.

As most summer annuals are winding down and are removedthey make room for newcomers to claim nutrients, water, and space.

4. Similarly, the population of garden pests drops off, removing another obstacle to healthy growth.

Newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees get a head start as they settle in, unobstructed by aggressive weeds or hungry insects.

5. Explosive growth awaits come spring; the plants you have carefully established in the fall are primed for vigorous growth.

Fall planting takes advantage of the natural rhythm of the seasons themselves. By planting in the fall, you give perennials, trees, and shrubs a jumpstart before the arrival of spring.

Their roots, already settled and acclimated, allow them to push up new shoots and foliage with remarkable strength. This early preparation pays dividends in the form of lush, healthy gardens that burst into life as the days lengthen and warm.

6. Fall planting is better for gardeners, too!

The cooler days of Autumn not only provide a comfortable environment for plants but also for the gardeners who tend to them.This makes tasks like digging, dividing, and transplanting far less taxing on our bodies, allowing us to work in the garden with more ease and comfort.

 

Instead of waiting for the rush of spring, seize the season and take advantage of Autumn's unique offerings and edit your garden with confidence!

Gather your gardening tools, select your plants, and give your garden the gift of time to establish itself. Whether you're adding new varieties or reimagining your outdoor space, Autumn is the season to act, ensuring that your garden will greet the next year with beauty and vitality.

 

 


 

 

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