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FALL PLANTING While most of us think of planting in the spring so we can enjoy the results during summer months, we should be more conscious of the benefits of planting trees, shrubs and perennials in the fall. During fall months, the soil remains warm even while nights may be cool. The roots of plants find this time of year especially advantageous for vigorous growth. You won’t see much, if any, top growth this fall but wait until next year. Perennials planted in the fall will be much stronger, achieve greater growth and have more bloom than those same plants put out in the spring. An added bonus is that many plants might be on sale in the fall. In the Santa Fe area, spring brings strong winds and little moisture. Small plants often struggle in these harsh conditions and we must be ever vigilant with their care. Fall planting on the other hand offers better weather conditions for both plants and gardeners. Who doesn’t want to be out in the garden on a beautiful autumn day? The lack of strong winds, the cool evenings and warm, but not blistering hot, days are exactly what a plant needs to develop strong roots. These are also the kind of days when most gardeners delight in being outside. I know I do. For fall planting, you should select plants that have a fairly well established root system in their pots. In fall, a plant in a 4” or larger pot may be preferable to one in a smaller pot, especially if you live in the foothills or at a higher altitude. Seedlings are not advisable for fall planting because they may not get established before the first hard frost. There are a few other cautions. Some species of plants do not do well when planted in the fall in our area. Broadleaf evergreen shrubs should generally be avoided. A few other plants that do their growing in very hot months are better left for planting next spring. Your favorite nursery will be able to advise which plants are most suitable for fall planting. In Santa Fe or nearby areas in USDA hardiness zones 4-6, fall planting should be done in mid to late August through September. The higher your altitude or colder your climate, the earlier you should plant. Perennials, shrubs or trees planted in the fall should be watered throughout the winter months, once every 3 to 4 weeks, unless or until the soil is solidly frozen. Resume watering when the soil thaws. Fall is also the time to think about planting spring blooming bulbs. Use lots of bulbs. If you think five daffodils would be enough, plant 15 or 30. Most bulbs look best if they are in larger groups. Remember, there won’t be much else growing at the time the bulbs are blooming. While you are buying your bulbs, look for some fall blooming crocus. Planted this fall, they will bloom in October and perhaps November when all else has succumbed to frost. They will be the last little hurrah in the garden before winter snows. Now is a little too soon to plant bulbs. Wait for cooler weather and look for more information about bulbs next month.
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