planting

When the leaves begin to turn and the cool breezes begin to blow, that means plants are gearing up for an underground party!  When the leaves fall it would seem that plants and trees are going dormant, but that’s not the case at all!  In fact, the roots of plants are growing the most during the colder months, they’re just hiding it well.

One reason root growth is so prominent in autumn is due to the retention of water.  When the temperatures are cooler, moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly, leaving it in the ground for plants to take up and hydrate after a long hot summer.  Water retention in the soil can also help roots find their way through the hard clay soils of North Carolina by softening them and filling air pockets.  

Another reason why fall is the best time to plant new trees, shrubs and even perennials, is due to the warmer days and cooler nights.  Cool nights take the pressure and stress off newly installed plants while the warm, sunny days promote root growth for a quicker establishment.    

Planting in autumn is easier on the gardener as well.  Without the summer sun heating up the day, gardeners can spend more time outside tending to their plants without overheating, but sunblock should still be used.

Dividing perennials is a good fall task to take on.  After splitting the plant into 3 sections, the new plants can now be installed separately without too much worry about stress.

Many pests and diseases are taking a break during the cool seasons making plants healthier and less stressed.  Breezy days keep disease from settling on plants while insects have done most of their damage and are now preparing to overwinter.  

Autumn is a wonderfully beautiful and complex season, full of wonder and surprisingly, growth.  Come visit us at Guilford Garden Center to pick up some trees, shrubs and perennials now so your garden can flourish this spring!