Fall Garden Planting Guide

A fall garden planting guide includes vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs you can plant this season, along with tips on how to extend the growing season. Although much of what you can plant in the fall is determined by the garden zone you live in, there are some consistent planting suggestions nationwide.

Learn more about vegetable planting.

You can plant vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs in the fall. The trick is to choose types that will flourish. Consider not just what blooms in the fall, but winter flowering plants and spring bulbs, too.

No matter where you live, fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. The warm soil, warm days and cool nights provide a great way to ease plants through that first shock of moving from the pot to the garden. When shrubs and trees are planted in the spring, they're often stressed by hot summers and drought-like conditions in the critical months following planting. This stress can weaken or kill the tree or shrub. Fall planting provides the tree or shrub with enough time to set down some roots before going dormant for the winter. Then in the springtime when it wakes up, it's already in its new home.

To plant trees and shrubs in the fall, do so while the soil can still be easily worked and before the first hard frost for your area. As with any planting task, amend the soil with compost and water well after planting. A top dressing of mulch helps preserve moisture and prevent freezing and thawing of the soil near the roots during the winter months.

No fall garden planting guide would be complete without mentioning the many flowers you can plant in the fall. Not only is fall the time to plant all those gorgeous bulbs that blossom in the springtime – tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, crocus and so many more – but perennials love the fall, too. In addition, some annuals will give you another great run of color until the hard frost hits.

Most perennials available in the garden center can be planted now. Like trees and shrubs, perennial flowers also benefit by easing into the garden through moderate temperatures, warmer soil, and the cool dormant period of winter.

Spring bulbs are a must-have on your fall gardening checklist. Now's the time to stock up on your favorite colors and varieties. Plant close to or slightly after the frost free date for your area.

Some cool weather flowers offer several more weeks of color, and for lucky gardeners in zones 7, 8 and 9, may bloom throughout the winter. Pansies and violas are lovely annuals that love cool temperatures. Many garden centers now offer pansies for fall color. Snapdragons also enjoy cooler temperatures and can be planted now. While snow and hard frost might kill them off, pansies have been known to survive!

Gardeners are often surprised that vegetables can be planted in the fall, but you can easily extend the harvest for several weeks by planting quick-growing, cool season vegetables such as lettuce, radish, Swiss chard, spinach and kale. Also, depending on your gardening zone, some root crops such as garlic should be planted now for spring harvest.

Fall is a busy time in the garden. As you consider your planting schedule, consider also these important fall gardening tasks:

• Clean up fallen leaves, spent blossoms, and overripe fruit from orchard trees. Rake and compost or dispose of properly. If left over the winter, garden debris can harbor larvae or insects that can damage plants.
• Cut back perennials to prevent insects from sheltering over winter.
• Take cuttings of your favorite plants such as geraniums, or pot them up and move them indoors.
• If houseplants have been vacationing outdoors, spray with water to remove insect visitors and move indoors.
• Harvest the last of the tender herbs such as basil and parsley; dry them.
• Collect seeds such as marigolds and perennial seeds so you can look forward to more beauty next spring!
• Extend the growing season by building a cold frame.
• Fertilize plants and lawn.
• Mulch.
• Clean and store garden tools.
• Have mower serviced and store for the winter.

• Winter Squash Plants Photos
• Sugar Maple Tree Picture
• What Plants Grow in Winter

• Gardenia Plant Care
• Jasmine
• How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace
• Honeysuckle
• Maple Tree Diseases

• Tree Planting Guide
• Main Page
• Oak Tree Planting
• Guide to Shrubs
• How to Plant a Tree