Cooler weather is on its way, but the gardening season sure isn’t over.  Fall is great for gardening because temperatures are mild making it easier to establish new plants.

The soil is warmer and more consistently moist in the Fall than in the Spring.  This provides a healthy environment for roots to establish themselves before winter sets in. In autumn, plants slow their top growth to prepare for Winter, but their roots are still very active, and actually, root development accelerates naturally in most plants during September and October.

This is a great time to plant broad-leaf evergreens, such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Get those in the ground as early as possible. Shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and even grass seed can be planted right up until the ground freezes.

The pleasant weather makes working in the garden a real joy!  Bring color to your fall garden with blooms of mums, asters, pansies, sedum autumn joy and even kale or flowering cabbage.  Pansies are a popular choice because they can survive the cold winter and bloom again in the spring. Get more Fall Gardening Tips.

Fall is the only time of year to plant bulbs for beautiful spring flowers, like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus. Bulbs grow best in a sunny, well-drained area.  When planting, be sure to fertilize with bone meal or bulb food.  For best results, plant bulbs deep.  Plus, there’s less chance they’ll be dug up by squirrels or deer. For added protection, use Neptune’s Harvest Crab Shell Plant Food.  It nourishes bulbs and its sharp texture is unpleasant when critters start digging. Learn more about planting Spring-flowering Bulbs.

Bulbs can be planted in perennial borders, rock gardens, under trees or even in annual beds to extend the color season.  It’s best to plant them in groups of at least five or more, so you’ll get a brilliant splash of color.  Or, for a natural effect, scatter bulbs in your lawn and plant them where they land.  The selection of bulbs is best right in September and October, so visit any English Gardens location and let our experts help you create a beautiful spring garden.

For tips on planting, check out our care and planting instructions online.

Learn more about why Fall is for Planting.