Many people plant their trees and shrubs in the spring. It is definitely possible, although the roots won’t have as much time to grow before the threat of heat waves and droughts sets them back. Planting in the middle of summer heat requires more watering to ensure they have enough water to establish deep roots. Planting trees in the fall is much more efficient and optimizes the time your new planting has in the right temperature zones to grow deep roots before the following summer. New plantings handle the dormant season in the ground much easier than a hot, dry summer.
Why fall is better
The balance of warm and cool temperatures offers the best environment for root growth. Getting roots established before the dormant winter season helps the plant to grow even more roots in the spring to handle the more intense summer months.
Planting Fruit Trees
Where to plant your fruit trees
Fruit trees need full sun to ensure the best quality, quantity, size, and color. Be sure your trees are well-spaced so they are not casting shade on each other. Plus, you want to avoid placing them in the shadows of other trees. You will need good soil drainage where you plan to plant your fruit tree. A simple way to test the drainage of your soil is to dig a hole about 2 feet deep. Then, fill the hole with water. If standing water is still in the hole after waiting 24 hours, you have a drainage problem. Poorly drained soil may result in the death of your tree, or it may be stunted and grow irregularly.
The ideal site will be a slightly downhill slope, allowing drainage and keeping cold air from pooling around your trees. Also, you don’t want to plant too close to structures such as buildings or fences that may obstruct airflow.
When will you harvest fruit?
It usually takes three full growing seasons to produce a good quality crop. The NC State Cooperative Extension recommends removing blooms and small fruits in the first two years. This weeding-out process allows your tree to use all of its energy and nutrients to grow into a more robust plant so that it may support a good future harvest.
Temperature requirements differ from one variety of fruit to the next, so don’t assume you can plant all fruit trees together. For example, peaches are especially susceptible to freezing in the early spring frost as their fruit sets on early. Apples require a period of cold before harvest, but mature fruit may fall victim to an early fall frost. Do your research and check the temperature requirements and timelines for each fruit you choose to grow. Then, plan accordingly.
It sounds more complicated than it is, but if you follow the guidelines, you should have no trouble with fruit production.
Planting Fall Flowers
As you prepare your garden for the fall season, consider adding vibrant flowers alongside your fruit trees. Not only do they add a splash of color, but they also attract beneficial pollinators that can help your garden thrive. Here are a few favorites:
Pansies
Pansies are known for their bright, cheerful colors and ability to withstand cooler temperatures. They are perfect for adding a touch of color to your fall garden and can bloom through winter and late spring. Plant them in well-drained soil and make sure they get plenty of sunlight.
Violas
Violas are another excellent choice for fall planting. These hardy flowers can handle light frosts and will continue to bloom through winter and late spring. They come in various colors and can be used in garden beds, containers, or ground cover.
Mums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are the quintessential fall flower. They come in various colors: yellow, orange, red, white, and purple. Mums thrive in cooler temperatures and can provide a stunning display in your garden. Plant them in a spot with at least 4-6+ hours of sun, with well-drained soil, and water them regularly to keep them looking their best.
Planting Fall Vegetables
Fall is also an excellent time to plant vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. Here are some top choices to consider for your autumn garden:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that grows best in the fall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant your broccoli seedlings in late summer to early fall to ensure they mature during the cooler months. Harvest the central head to let the plant make new florets. Harvest before the flowers open and enjoy homegrown broccoli from your garden.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another great fall vegetable that grows well in cooler temperatures. It can tolerate light frosts, which often enhance its flavor. Cabbage requires fertile, well-drained soil and consistent watering, and plant them in a sunny location for the best results.
Red Kale, Red Mustard
Red kale is a fantastic fall green that does best after the temperatures drop. A light frost won’t hurt it, it actually sweetens the leaves by turning starches into sugars. Give it rich, well-draining soil with regular watering, and tuck it into a sunny spot to bring out its deep purple color and tender texture.
Red mustard is another excellent cool-season green that loves the fall weather. Like cabbage, light frosts only improve its flavor. It grows best in fertile, moist soil under full sun, producing vibrant burgundy leaves that brighten up both the garden bed and your dinner plate. Both of these vegetable plants have anti-oxidants and turn green when cooked.
Leaf Vegetables (Kale, Spinach, Collard Greens)
Kale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables and is perfect for fall planting. It can withstand frost and some say that this crop improves in flavor after a light frost. Plant kale in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and it will produce nutritious leaves well into the winter months.
Spinach thrives in the cool weather of fall and can be harvested as baby greens or left to mature for larger leaves. Spinach prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Don’t plant them too deep. It’s a fast-growing crop that can provide multiple harvests throughout the fall season and sometimes even through winter into spring time. Fun to grow in containers.
Collard Greens are a hardy vegetable that can withstand cool temperatures and even light frosts. The taste is actually better after a frost. They are rich in nutrients and can be harvested well into the fall and early winter. Plant them in fertile soil with full sun, and you can expect a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Lettuce
Lettuce, especially varieties like Buttercrunch and Romaine, is an excellent fall crop. These varieties grow best in cooler temperatures and can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for whole plant harvest. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide regular watering for the best results. Lettuce can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, making it a versatile addition to your fall garden.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a nutritious leafy green that tolerates cooler temperatures. It grows well in the fall and can be harvested continuously by cutting the outer leaves. With its vibrant stems, Swiss chard adds color to your garden. Plant it in rich, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade, and enjoy harvesting throughout the season.
By carefully planning your fall garden and following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of fruit, a display of flowers, and a variety of healthy vegetables. Happy planting!