There’s nothing better than being outside on a Fall day, watching the leaves change colors! We here at KaBloom can’t get enough of the outdoors, but as we were thinking of fun outdoor activities, we realized there’s a common misconception about Fall. A lot of people think Fall is nature’s time to start closing up shop for the Winter. Well, that might be somewhat true, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to do some gardening! Spring isn’t the only season that’s great for planting!
Fall is a fantastic time to plant for a few reasons. Really, the best reason is its versatility, because you can both plant for the season and plan ahead for beautiful flowers to bloom after the seasons change. One of the reasons Fall is a great planting season is because it is cooler, which means it is both beneficial for plants and is easier for the planter. Even though the air is cool, the ground temperature is still holding in warmth from the Summer, which helps roots grow straight until the ground freezes as winter arrives. You’re not trying to dig through unthawed frozen soil, which could still be a problem, and watering is much easier, for a quick Fall shower or water from a hose will be absorbed because, you guessed it, the ground isn’t potentially still frozen. The worry of pests and plant disease goes down as Fall approaches, which is always a relief. When planning, a good rule to follow is to plant in September or October, taking into your own judgment about six weeks before the first frost should be expected in your area.
Fall is the perfect time for planting Spring bulbs! It sounds a little confusing, but once you think it through, it’s actually simple! Tulips, Daffodils, and Iris are just a few Spring flowers you need to prepare in the Fall. Planting these during autumn season creates a period of cold dormancy to thrive in the Spring. The most important thing to do when you begin to plant is to follow the labels. The bulbs will not survive through the next season, so plant as much as you can, because you won’t be able to store the remainders. When it comes time to plant, make sure the soil is loose. When digging, judge how deep to dig by the size of the bulb. Larger bulbs should be buried about eight inches below ground level, whereas smaller bulbs only need about five inches. You’ll notice the bulb has a pointier part, often where you might already be seeing some growth. Make sure that part is facing up when you place it in the hole. Now, it’s time to rebury them! Just fill in the hole with soil, but you don’t have to pack it down because that won’t help promote growth. After covering the bulbs, water the area, and unless you live in an area that is experiencing less precipitation than normal, you won’t have to water excessively.
Spring bulbs aren’t the only thing you can plant in the Fall. Many vegetables grow best in cooler weather. While some vegetables need to be planted in August in order to be ready for harvest, other vegetables actually taste better if they are picked after the frost, so you have a little more room to plant those. Research which vegetables would be best for your time frame, but if you are going to be growing during frost season, make sure you take precautions to protect the plants from the frost before they are ready to be picked! Fall is also the best time to plant new grass, plant shrubs and trees! If planting greenery, follow the natural soil line dictated by how it is packaged, and make sure you water it sufficiently until the ground freezes so it will be able to start the growing process before going dormant for the Winter.
Why wait until Spring to start your gardening when you can do some now, or even get a head start on next year’s garden? We hope that some of these tips will help you show nature’s greatness a little longer before the snow comes, and maybe it taught you a few useful gardening tips. Stay tuned for more updates!