The perfect time to plant, divide, and prepare your perennial garden for winter
At one time the Fall Season was the primary time to plant perennials. In fact, most nurseries grew their perennials in the ground and hand dug them for shipment and sales in the fall. Fall was the time when perennial gardeners could get the best quality plants, and the best selection.
Fall was the best time to let roots and crowns establish themselves before freezing.
Today only one part of the story has changed — the retailers have decided to sell perennials in the Spring along with annuals.
However, in Spring the perennials want to grow above ground parts and flowers, so less energy is put into the roots and crowns.
The soil is not cold and wet like in spring — it's warm and welcoming for new roots.
The sun is warm but the air is cool — perfect for establishing plants.
Energy goes underground to roots and crowns, not to flowers and foliage.
PERFECT!
Fall is the best time to plant any perennials that bloom from April to June. These plants establish beautiful root systems over fall and winter, ready to burst forth with color in early spring.
Aubretia, Alyssum, Arabis, Anemone, Brunnera, Bergenia, Lamiastrum, Dicentra, Woodland Phlox, Doronicum, and Pulsatilla.
This is also the best time to do your garden editing — digging and dividing old plants to better spots, replanting things that have pooped out.
All of these garden chores can be done up to Election Day.
This deadline gives your garden about six weeks to grow in before it freezes.
The later you plant, however, the smarter it would be to cover the new plants with pine bows from your Christmas tree.
Note: NOT leaves or mulch!
Explore more gardening resources and guides to make the most of your garden this season.
