Putting down roots: The Benefits of Fall Planting

Cool nights and autumn rain make fall a great time to plant.

At Victoria Gardens, located on the corner of Cottekill Road and Rt. 213 between Rosendale and High Falls, we call it the “2nd Planting Season” because we plant as much in the fall as we do in the spring.

What makes the fall such a great time to plant?

Warm soil encourages root growth, and even as plants lose their leaves, their roots continue to grow until the ground freezes.

Trees and shrubs in particular benefit from a well-established root system, followed by the dormancy winter provides as they adjust to their new home.

But cooler days don’t stress the new plants (and it’s easier on the gardener digging the holes too!)

Plus, cooler nights means there’s less evaporation from the soil and less need for extra watering.

Don’t forget to mulch!

A three-inch layer of mulch over a newly planted bed preserves moisture in the soil, which helps the roots get established. Mulch also insulates the soil, keeping its temperature warmer longer—giving roots a little more time in the season to grow before the ground freezes. And throughout the winter, mulch minimizing rapid swings between freezing and thawing that can heave and crack soil to expose newly planted roots.

And if you need some plant inspiration, here’s Victoria with some stunning fall plant recommendations!

At Victoria Gardens, we find the best growers, we take vigilant care of our plants, and we continue to stock fresh, healthy plants throughout the fall. We stay open later in the season than most nurseries (because of our busy landscaping division, we continue to plant until the ground temperatures fall below 41 degrees Fahrenheit), which means we will have a wide and healthy selection through mid-November. And, yes! We ourselves are planting right up until Thanksgiving*, weather permitting. Not only that, but our staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and we will always take your plants to the parking lot and help you load.