Flower Gardens

» Cottage_Garden - Fall Planting

Gay your Tasmanian climate is so exceptionally wonderful for gardeners! In some parts of the US fall is also the best time for planting, and here in southern California the "rainy" winter season is best.

But in areas where winters are harsh, the rule of thumb for little perennial plants is two months before the ground freezes, so it has to be done by early fall. Woody plants can be planted any time the ground is not actually frozen, so any time in fall is great -- if you can find plants for sale!

In the northeast for example, it is tough to find a selection of plants. Some places will sell off remaining stock from spring and summer, but very few bring in fresh plants. So the selection can be discouraging. If I didn't want it before, I really don't want it now after it has been sitting around at the retailer's for months, especially all summer!

A while back there was a big national campaign on "Fall is for Planting" but I think it has fizzled out. Part of the problem is the retailers do bulb sales and mums, then make a lot of money in fall on all the holiday stuff -- Halloween decor items to Christmas trees, decorations and gifts -- and can't do both that and landscape/garden plants at the same time.

Never sure if it is chicken or egg, though, so no demand and the retailers won't offer it. No product available ... and nobody will shop!

I think many home gardeners do not realize what a great gardening season fall really is. It is also the best time to seed a lawn and get that into shape for the following year (in many areas), and hardly anyone knows that either.

Oh well. I say it every time I get an opportunity so .... I try!

-- posted by Cottage_Garden