Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant

As summer fades and the air turns crisp, many gardeners assume the planting season is winding down. In reality, fall is one of the best times to put new plants in the ground. Experts from NC State University agree that cooler weather, warm soil, and fewer pests make autumn a prime season for establishing trees, shrubs, perennials, and even vegetables.

Why Fall Works So Well

Root Growth Comes First.
Fall planting gives plants a head start before the next growing season. Soil temperatures remain warm even as air temperatures drop, creating conditions that favor root development over leaf and shoot growth. Roots are the most important part of a plant, and fall is when they thrive. When roots become well-established before winter dormancy, plants are healthier and more resilient when spring arrives.

Less Stress, Fewer Pests.
Cooler air puts less strain on newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials. Insect populations also decline in fall, giving young plants a better chance to settle in without pest damage. Weed pressure is reduced as well, meaning less competition for water and nutrients.

Moisture Matters.
Autumn often brings more consistent rainfall. This natural irrigation helps roots expand without the constant need for supplemental watering. During periods of drought, make sure to keep a close eye on moisture levels. Deep, slow watering—using soaker hoses or even a bucket with holes in the bottom—encourages strong root systems.

Two Seasons of Color.
Fall planting isn’t just about long-term success. Some flowers, such as pansies and violas, provide bursts of color in autumn and then bloom again the following spring. Bulbs like tulips and hyacinths require a period of cold weather to bloom, making fall the right time to tuck them into the soil.

What to Plant in the Fall

Trees and Shrubs.
Woody ornamentals, shade trees, and flowering shrubs all benefit from fall planting. Their root systems can expand throughout the winter months, giving them a head start in spring. Both NC State and Clemson recommend planting smaller trees when possible, as they establish more quickly than large-caliper specimens.

Perennials.
Plants such as hostas, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans are excellent fall choices. They can be planted fresh or divided and replanted to rejuvenate older beds. Mulching around perennials helps protect them from freezing conditions and conserves soil moisture.

Spring-Blooming Bulbs.
Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths planted in the fall deliver cheerful blooms just as winter breaks. Bulbs are available in a wide array of colors, heights, and bloom times, allowing gardeners to design a sequence of flowers across the season.

Cool-Season Vegetables.
In the vegetable garden, lettuce, spinach, and broccoli thrive in cooler temperatures. With timely planting, many of these crops can be harvested before the first hard frost, extending the gardening season well beyond summer.

Planting Tips for Success

Dig the Right Hole.
One of the most common mistakes gardeners make when planting shrubs is planting too deep. Holes should be two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Planting below the soil line can stunt growth or kill the plant outright. Always measure the root ball and adjust before backfilling with the native soil.

Check the Roots.
Container-grown plants sometimes develop circling roots that can eventually strangle the plant. Before planting, cut or loosen these roots to encourage outward growth. If planting balled-and-burlapped trees, be sure to remove strapping and burlap from the top half of the root ball.

Prepare the Soil.
Healthy roots need loose, nutrient-rich soil. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or ground pine bark into beds, but avoid placing amendments directly into planting holes. For larger projects, consider sowing cover crops like crimson clover in fall to add organic matter naturally.

Mulch, But Not Too Much.
A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch conserves moisture, reduces weed growth, and insulates roots from temperature swings. Avoid “volcano mulching,” where mulch is piled against the trunk, as this can invite pests and diseases.

Water Wisely.
Even with fall rains, new plantings need supplemental water. For the first several weeks, water once or twice a week if rainfall is lacking. In spring and summer, continue to water once a week during dry spells until plants are fully established.

A Season of Opportunity

Fall planting offers both immediate and long-term rewards. From colorful blooms to stronger, healthier root systems, the benefits are hard to ignore. Whether adding trees for shade, planting bulbs for spring color, or extending the vegetable harvest, autumn provides the right balance of conditions for success.