Fall officially arrived last week. It was sunny and 82 degrees on September 23. Does that sound like fall y’all? Regardless of my question it will be cooler soon and early to mid-fall is the best time for planting trees, shrubs, and bulbs and dividing perennials. The soil is still warm and the moisture from rainfall is typically adequate enough for newly planted or divided plants to have time to develop a good root system before winter dormancy. Now, before we grab the shovel, trowel, or spade may I remind you that the basics of good gardening do not change. Knowing the number of hours of direct sunlight and soil preparation is essential!
A full sun condition is six hours of direct sunlight usually in the afternoon. If the plant label states part sun, avoid planting in this condition. On the other hand, if your sight has morning sun and afternoon shade, most shade plants will do fine in those conditions due to the sun’s intensity being much less in the morning.
Proper soil condition does not end at the edge of the planting hole. Roots expand outward well beyond the drip line of the plant, provided the conditions are favorable. Imagine what the mature width of the plant will be and then add 50 percent. Granted, this will take years on some trees but take the time to plan and plant only once.
Another reason fall is for planting has nothing to do with horticulture but it is also green. I am referring to the green in your pocket. Nurseries do not want to keep large quantities of plant stock through the winter so they tend to offer discounts in order to move product.
When dividing perennials I offer two general tips: 1. Plants that bloom in the spring and summer should be divided in the fall. 2. Most perennials need dividing every three to five years. Dividing perennials controls the size of the plant, rejuvenates the plant and increases the number of plants. Not all perennials need to be divided and because plants cannot read, they do not know if it has been two, three or five years. Two signs of a plant needing dividing are smaller blooms and if the center of the clump of foliage is hollow.
Happy fall, y’all.
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