Spring may feel like the natural time to tackle garden projects, but fall is one of the best opportunities to get a head start. In Pennsylvania, cooler temperatures combined with soil that is still warm from summer create favorable conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-blooming bulbs.
A little planting this fall can mean stronger plants and a more colorful landscape when spring arrives.
Why Fall Planting Works
While temperatures above ground are cooling, the soil retains warmth from summer. This gives newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials an opportunity to begin developing roots without the stress of intense summer heat.
Benefits of fall planting include:
- Cooler temperatures and less transplant stress
- Warm soil that encourages root development
- Slower moisture loss
- Less pressure to produce flowers and new foliage
- A head start before the next growing season
Plants can concentrate their energy below ground, establishing roots that will support future growth.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Fall is an excellent time to tackle larger landscape projects you’ve been considering.
Trees and shrubs can provide:
- Shade
- Privacy and screening
- Spring flowers
- Fall foliage
- Evergreen structure
- Wildlife habitat
- Year-round landscape interest
Choose plants suited to your property’s sunlight, soil, drainage, and available space. Remember to consider mature size when deciding where to plant.
Add Perennials for Years of Color
Take a look around your garden while this year’s successes and gaps are still fresh in your mind.
Could a border use more color? Is there an empty area that needs filling? Do you need more flowers during a particular part of the season?
Fall-planted perennials can begin establishing roots now, giving them a head start for next year’s garden.
Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Want tulips, daffodils, crocus, and other spring flowers? Fall is the time to plan for them.
Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in fall so they can experience the cold period necessary for their natural growth cycle.
Consider planting bulbs in generous groups rather than individually. Larger drifts create a stronger display when flowers emerge in spring.
Plan for a Succession of Blooms
Fall planting is also an opportunity to think beyond one season.
Choose trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs with different bloom periods to create a landscape that changes throughout the year.
You might combine early spring bulbs with flowering shrubs, summer perennials, and late-season pollinator plants for months of changing color and interest.
Keep New Plantings Watered
Fall’s cooler temperatures don’t eliminate the need for watering.
Trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture while their roots become established. Continue checking the soil during dry periods and water deeply when needed until the ground freezes.
Finish with Mulch
After planting trees, shrubs, and perennials, add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and reduce weeds.
Keep mulch away from direct contact with tree trunks, shrub stems, and perennial crowns.
Plant This Fall and Enjoy the Results in Spring
Don’t wait until spring to start creating next year’s garden. Planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs this fall can give your landscape a valuable head start.
When warmer weather returns, you’ll be glad you put in the work now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I plant in fall?
Many trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-blooming bulbs can be planted during fall.
Why is fall good for trees and shrubs?
Cooler air reduces transplant stress while soil warmed by summer can continue supporting root development.
When should I plant spring-blooming bulbs?
Spring-flowering bulbs are planted in fall before the ground freezes.
Do fall-planted perennials need watering?
Yes. Continue monitoring soil moisture and watering new plants as needed while they establish.
Can I mulch after fall planting?
Yes. Mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep it from touching trunks and stems directly.
Visit Marrazzo’s Garden Center
Fall isn’t the end of gardening season. It’s a great time to plan ahead. Stop by Marrazzo’s Garden Center for trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and inspiration for creating an even better garden next spring.
Marrazzo’s Garden Center
591 Durham Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Fall Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
