Fall is for Planting – Even in a Dry October

Many people associate spring with planting season, but October is one of the best times to plant—even if this fall has started off drier than usual.

Cooler air and warm soil still create great conditions for root development, and planting now gives trees, shrubs, and perennials a head start before winter. That said, a dry fall just means your landscape needs a little more attention during installment.

What to know about a dry fall

• Supplemental watering is key: Even drought-tolerant plants need consistent moisture to get established. If you don’t have irrigation, a deep soak once or twice a week will keep your plants happy and the roots growing.

• Mulch is your friend: A 2-3” layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature swings. Most want to mulch in the spring for fresh curb appeal, but mulching in the fall helps your new plants establish themselves and keep your mature plants insulated and prepped for winter. This will help them thrive come spring time.

• Watch the weather: If no measurable rain is expected for 7–10 days after planting, plan to water manually.

What’s great to plant in the fall

• Trees and shrubs (especially drought-tolerant native varieties)

• Hardy perennials like salvia, sedum, ornamental grasses, and coneflowers

• Spring-blooming bulbs, which need cool soil to trigger growth

At M.J. Design, we tailor plant choices and installation techniques to your site conditions—especially when weather doesn’t follow the script. Want to include our expertise on your next project? Call us at 614-873-7333.