Fall is a great time for many things. Hiking, biking, birding, and of course yard work and gardening. Fall is ideal for planting trees and certain flower bulbs. Timing your fall garden can ensure a bountiful harvest of cool season and other root vegetables. Cooler temperatures sound nice, but it can bring about problematic conditions for our lawns, especially if paired with rainy weather.

Fall Tree Planting

The main benefit to planting in the fall is to allow time for the tree to establish and increase its chance to survive the heat of the summer. Essentially it’s given a less stressful time to become accustomed to its new place. The first step is to assess where the tree is going to go. As always Right Plant; Right Place. The tree will need proper drainage and adequate sun exposure.

Soil test kits are available at our office and agents can help you delineate the results. Soil tests are sent to Raleigh to the NCDA-Agronomic Services Division. We can provide extra soil boxes and additional information regarding your soil testing.

A majority of mistakes are made when digging the hole. As important as planting the tree in the right place, it’s equally important to dig a proper hole. It’s common to plant a tree too deep. The hole should be two to three times as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Once the hole is ready, ensure the bottom of the hole is packed firm but not too tamped down. The soil needs to be balanced with soil loose enough for the roots to spread but firm enough to prevent the tree from sinking as soil settles over time. Make sure the roots in the ball are loosened and not root bound. Finally, place the root ball into the hole and ensure that the soil surface (root ball) is the same as the ground level or slightly higher. Once planted, fill the hole back in and stake the tree as needed. Mulch can be added to help with moisture retention and help prevent weeds. Don’t fertilize until spring. Early applications of fertilizer can encourage shoot growth and lead to an imbalance of root and shoot growth.

Watering should be done to ensure constant moisture, but not over saturated. Too much or too little water can lead to plant death. Keep an eye on the tree and water as needed.

Flowering Bulb Planting

Flowers planted in the fall become beautiful spring flowers. Flowers that do well are daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinth. Just like with garlic and onions, avoid any smaller or soft bulbs. As always Don’t guess, Soil Test. Check the area you want to plant in and make any necessary adjustments. Mulch can be used to insulate and further protect your planted bulbs. Fertilizer can help give nutrients to the bulbs.

Flower bulbs do not enjoy clay soil on its own. Incorporate compost or leaf mulch. This adds an organic matter to the soil that breaks up the clay and allows water and air to better move through the system. Use the plant tags or the information online where you ordered your bulbs to determine planting depth. For a general reference, plant bulbs at a depth that is 2-3 times the size of the bulb. Soil testing can give you an idea of where your soil is in terms of fertility and nutrients.

Fertilizer can be used at the time of planting, but only use a slow-release fertilizer. It needs to be available when the plant needs it. Fertilizer should only be applied once the shoots first emerge. After bloom, fertilizer can lead to disease, so wait until the following fall. For off-season clean up, cut back shoots once they turn brown. Planting should wait until soil temperatures are consistently 60°F or below.

Cool Season Vegetables

Cool season vegetables are planted typically from July to September for fall harvests. Cool season veggies include Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Garlic, Peas, Potatoes, Turnips, Mustard, Rutabaga, Radish, Carrots, and beets. Mostly your cruciferous veggies and root veggies. September can be a little cooler and soil conditions can be better to help veggies germinate. Seedlings require more water than established vegetables but the late summer rainstorms should help in keeping new tender plants happy. Keep an eye out for insect and disease problems as they can be more abundant in the fall. I could write an entire article on each vegetable listed. Please call our office at 828-764-9480 or email me at mcrodri3@ncsu.edu for further information on specific vegetables.