As the leaves start to change colors and drift down, many gardeners mistakenly think it’s time to hang up their gloves for the season.
But here’s the best-kept gardening secret—fall is actually the best time to get planting! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, prepping your garden now lays the foundation for a breathtaking spring that you’ll be proud to show off.
Fall planting can set your garden up for success, and why having the right tools (like Power Planter augers) can make the job a whole lot easier.
Fall gardening isn’t nearly as tricky as it sounds, especially when you’re equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Let’s explore why fall is the prime time to get bulbs, shrubs, and perennials into the ground.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant
1. Cooler Temperatures = Happier Gardeners –
- Let’s be real—gardening in the scorching summer heat isn’t exactly fun in the sun. But fall? That’s when it gets good. The cool, crisp air makes spending time outdoors a whole lot more enjoyable, whether you’re planting or just soaking in the season.
- And here’s a bonus: the soil still holds onto the warmth from summer, helping your plants establish strong roots before winter arrives. So put on your favorite playlist and let the cool weather work in your favor while you get your garden ready for next year.
2. Stronger Root & Easy Soil –
- Here’s the thing about fall: while your plants aren’t going to do much growing above ground, they’re busy getting their roots in gear. And that’s exactly what you want. Strong roots now mean less work and better results come spring.
- And the fall rains? They soften the soil just enough to make it easier for you to dig, plant, and prep your beds. You’ll be in and out of the garden in no time, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of the day, maybe even with a warm and comforting drink in hand.
3. Fewer Pests = Less Stress
- By the time fall rolls around, most of the bugs that like to make meals out of your plants are long gone. The cooler weather slows them down, so you won’t be battling aphids or beetles while you’re trying to plant.
- It’s one of those little perks of fall gardening: fewer things to worry about which makes the whole process smoother and much less frustrating. It’s just you, your plants, and the satisfaction of getting the job done right.
How to Prep Your Garden for Fall Planting
There’s something about the crisp morning air that gets you motivated to dig in and tidy up the garden. The leaves are starting to pile up, and maybe those summer veggies are on their last legs. Fall isn’t just about cleaning up, though—it’s the perfect time to get your garden in shape for the next growing season.
1. Tidy Up Your Beds
- First things first—tidy up your garden! Remove any dead or diseased plants, harvest what’s left of your veggies, and clear out vegetable plant debris. This doesn’t just keep your garden looking neat; it also helps prevent the spread of disease. If any of your plants are diseased, throw them away instead of composting them to avoid spreading disease to healthy plants.
- Learn what items are beneficial to leave in the garden for our feathered friends in this blog.
2. Fertilize This Fall
- Want stronger, healthier plants? Feed your soil. Add compost or other organic matter to boost nutrients and improve soil structure.
- If you’re planting bulbs, consider adding bulb fertilizer or bone meal to encourage strong root growth.
- A well-fed garden will be ready to burst into life come spring.
3. Mulch to Protect and Nourish
- After planting, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over garden beds. Mulching retains moisture, keeps weeds at bay, and insulates the soil so it doesn’t freeze too quickly.
- As a bonus, organic mulch breaks down over the winter, feeding the soil with extra nutrients that plants will use when they wake up in spring.
What to Plant in Fall
If you’ve ever been paralyzed by plant choices in the fall, you’re not alone. With so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? A little planning goes a long way—just pick a few fall essentials, and you’ll be set for a stunning spring garden.
Here are a few ideas of what you should plant in the fall for a beautiful garden next year!
1. Bulbs:
Bulbs are the stars of the spring garden, and many need to be planted in the fall. By the time the snow melts, these beauties will burst forth with color.
Here are our top picks:
- Tulips: Plant these classic bulbs 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil for a dazzling display of color.
- Daffodils: Hardy and deer-resistant, daffodils multiply over time, creating a naturalized effect in your garden.
- Crocus: For early spring blooms, plant crocus bulbs close together for a stunning carpet of color.
- Hyacinths: Known for their beauty and fragrance, hyacinths are a must-have. Plant them 4-6 inches deep for maximum impact.
- Alliums: These unique, spherical flowers add architectural interest to your garden.
3. Trees and Shrubs:
- While it might seem counterintuitive, fall is actually a great time to plant trees and shrubs.
- Cooler weather and moderate moisture levels create the perfect conditions for these plants to get settled before the heat of summer returns.
4. Lawns
- Fall is the best time to reseed or overseed your lawn.
- Cool temperatures and frequent rains make for thick, healthy grass come spring.
The Right Tools Make Fall Planting a Breeze
Fall planting is a breeze when you have the right tools—and that’s where Power Planter comes in. Our augers are designed to save you time and effort, making it easier than ever to plant bulbs, trees, shrubs, and more. No more back-breaking digging with a shovel—our augers are a game-changer for gardeners.
Here’s What the Right Tools Can Do for You
- Effortless Planting: Attach our auger to your drill and let it do the work. It’s that simple!
- Save Time: Cut your digging time down by 90%, leaving you more time to enjoy your garden.
- Versatile: From bulbs to shrubs to mixing soil amendments, our augers can handle it all.
- Durability: Built from high-quality steel in the USA, our augers are designed to last. They can power through tough soils, including clay and rocky terrain, without breaking a sweat.
Choosing the Right Auger for Your Fall Garden
Meet your new best friends. At Power Planter, we offer a variety of augers to meet the specific needs of gardeners. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one:
- For Bulbs:
Our 3” Extended Length Bulb Auger is perfect for planting bulbs without bending over. You’ll get the depth and precision you need for proper planting. - For Shrubs and Small Trees:
Try our 5” Quart Pot Auger for planting shrubs, small trees, and large perennials. It’s the perfect size for digging holes for container plants. - For Large Projects:
Our 7” Gallon Pot Auger is a must-have for bigger projects like planting large trees or installing fence posts. This auger will handle tough jobs with ease.
Fall Prep Checklist: Don’t Skip These Steps
Before wrapping up, here’s a quick checklist of fall garden tasks you shouldn’t skip. Trust us—taking the time to prep now will make your spring garden bloom even brighter:
- Remove Dead Plants: Clear out dead plants and debris to prevent disease and make room for fresh growth.
- Add Compost: Enrich your soil with compost to give your plants the nutrients they need for strong roots.
- Mulch Your Beds: Protect your soil and plants with a thick layer of mulch.
- Dig Up Tender Bulbs: Bulbs like dahlia and canna need to be dug up and stored for winter.
- Plant Bulbs, Shrubs, and Perennials: Fall is the perfect time to get your spring-blooming bulbs, shrubs, and perennials in the ground. This ensures strong root growth through the winter, setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy garden come spring.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bulbs, prep your soil, and get planting! Your spring garden will thank you!
Written by NGB Member: Power Planter
“This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau and author member when using all or parts of this article.”
