Why Fall Is One of the Best Times to Plant

Spring may get most of the attention, but fall is one of the best planting seasons for Maryland gardens. Cooler temperatures, warm soil, and reduced heat stress create favorable conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Planting in fall gives roots time to begin establishing before winter, helping plants get a head start when spring arrives.

Cooler Temperatures Mean Less Stress

Summer heat can be tough on newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials. As temperatures cool in fall, plants experience less stress and lose moisture more slowly.

Fall planting offers several advantages:

• Cooler air reduces transplant stress
• Warm soil supports continued root development
• Plants require less attention than during extreme summer heat
• Roots can begin establishing before winter
• Plants are better prepared for growth the following spring

While growth above ground may begin slowing, important development can still be happening beneath the soil.

Warm Fall Soil Encourages Roots

Air temperatures cool faster than soil temperatures in fall. That lingering warmth provides a valuable window for root development.

A healthy root system helps plants access water and nutrients and prepares them to handle the demands of the next growing season.

Plant Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an excellent time to take on larger landscape projects.

Consider adding trees and shrubs for:

• Shade
• Privacy and screening
• Spring flowers
• Fall foliage
• Evergreen structure
• Wildlife habitat

Before planting, consider mature size, sunlight, drainage, and available space so your new addition has room to thrive.

Add Perennials for Years of Color

Fall is also a great time to fill gaps in garden beds or create new perennial plantings.

Look around your landscape while this year’s garden is still fresh in your mind. Are there areas that need more color? Would a taller perennial improve the back of a border? Could you extend your bloom season with an early or late-flowering variety?

Planting now can give those perennials a head start for next year.

Get Ready for Spring Bulbs

Here’s another reason to keep gardening this fall: White House Nursery expects spring-blooming bulbs to arrive September 21.

The nursery has selected interesting varieties that offer gardeners choices beyond the selections typically found at grocery stores.

Fall-planted bulbs can bring some of the most anticipated color of spring, including favorites such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and alliums.

Garlic Is Coming Too

Vegetable gardeners can get in on fall planting as well. White House Nursery will also be carrying garlic for fall planting.

Planting garlic in fall gives it time to establish before winter so it can resume growth when temperatures warm in spring.

It’s an easy way to keep the vegetable garden productive even as the traditional summer growing season comes to an end.

Keep New Plantings Watered

Cool weather doesn’t eliminate the need for watering. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture while their roots become established.

Water deeply around the root zone and continue checking soil moisture during dry fall weather. Deep, thorough watering is generally more beneficial than frequent shallow watering.

Plant This Fall and Look Forward to Spring

Fall isn’t the end of gardening season. It’s an opportunity to invest in what comes next.

Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials now, then add unique spring-blooming bulbs and garlic as the season progresses. When spring arrives, you’ll already have a head start on another beautiful and productive year in the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fall a good time to plant?

Cooler air reduces plant stress while soil remains warm enough to support root development.

Can I plant trees and shrubs in fall?

Yes. Fall can provide excellent conditions for establishing many trees and shrubs.

When are bulbs arriving at White House Nursery?

Spring-blooming bulbs are expected to arrive September 21, with interesting varieties selected beyond typical grocery store offerings.

Can I plant garlic in fall?

Yes. Garlic is traditionally planted in fall for harvest the following year, and White House Nursery will be carrying garlic for vegetable gardeners.

Do fall plantings still need water?

Absolutely. Continue monitoring soil moisture and watering new plants as needed while they establish.

Visit White House Nursery

Make the most of fall planting season at White House Nursery. Explore plants for your landscape now, and look for the arrival of unique spring-blooming bulbs and garlic on September 21.

White House Nursery
17422 Falls Road
Upperco, MD 21155