Is Fall really for planting? YES
The ‘Scoop was just asked (again, 2022) if fall really is a good time to plant. If your fingers can handle it and we’re not suffering a blizzard, the answer is yes! You can plant some perennials, shrubs and trees into November. Unless it’s an evergreen. Stop planting them by mid-October, wait until spring! Our soil is still warm while the air is cool. The plants’ focus will be on their roots. PS, check out last season’s ‘Scoop with other fall planting tips.
There are some special considerations when planting later in the season. MULCH and WATER. It’s very important to WATER until the ground, literally, is frozen. That will likely mean hauling a bucket of water out to your planting site if you’ve put your hoses away. The Minnesota DNR says the average “Initial Date of Soil Freeze-up” for the Twin Cities area is December 8th. The caveat is that this data was compiled decades ago. The date can vary depending on our weather! Which, admittedly, is wacky.
Photo by arbordayblog.org
At planting you want to add at least 6 inches of mulch. The idea is to keep the plant from heaving in a freeze/thaw cycle. Remember donut not volcano. You don’t want to give critters a cozy space to stay right next to the new planting where they can also munch. If you’re planting a tree, add a trunk protector.
Mulch from City site
While the ‘Scoop did utilize mulch from the City I live in for a completely different project in the country, I would recommend (in light of Jumping Worms), that you buy your mulch from a reputable company.
Smokebush 'Winecraft Black'
Plant as you would normally, digging a hole about twice as wide as the root ball, but don’t add fertilizer at this time of year. You heard right, NO fertilizer. Instead, use a root stimulator. You want root growth, not top growth.
Check out this video from Gertens expert, Michaela, on overwintering our perennials and shrubs. Expert, Brad, shows how to overwinter our deciduous trees and evergreens.
FALLing for planting,
