Sometimes, we think of spring as the best time to plant flowers, herbs, and other such verdure. However, the fall is when you want to plant carrots, celery, lettuce, and many types of other vegetables and flowers. Pollinators are still active in the fall, and it’s a great time to get a head start on the spring by planting perennial seeds and shrubs.
Planting Perennial Seeds
1. Find the correct planting time for your location
Plant just before the rainy season/after hard frosts depending on where you are located.
2. Ready soil.
Remove all rocks, existing growth, and clay clumps from your planting site.
3. Spread seeds.
Sprinkle your seed over the top of the soil, making sure they are spaced apart, because wildflowers don’t like crowded conditions.
4. Press seeds into soil.
You can do this by walking over the seeds or using your hands. Do not cover seeds with dirt.
Planting Shrubs and Bushes
Fall is also a great time to start planting young shrubs and bushes. To do this, you need a hole that is about twice as wide and deep as the potted part of the shrub you’re planting. Before you plant, rough up the bottom half of the roots with your fingers to encourage them to grow out, rather than in a clump. Add any compost or potting soil you have to improve the soil. Plant your shrub or bush in the hole and use excess soil to make a well around the plant for watering. To water, fill the wall twice 1-3 times per week of the growing season for 2-3 years.
Visit the web pages of American Meadows and High Country Gardens for more information on planting. Thanks also to these two companies for providing prizes for our art contest.
Great article! Thanks for all the inspo!
Very interesting to learn that you can plant flower seeds in the fall. I will try that! Thanks for the article!