As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade and a crispness fills the air, many gardeners might think their busiest planting days are behind them. However, fall is arguably the best time of year for both planting and transplanting. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide ideal conditions for plants to establish themselves, giving them a head start before the rigors of winter and the explosive growth of spring.
The Advantages of Fall Planting
One of the primary benefits of fall planting is the reduced stress on plants. Unlike the intense heat of summer, the milder autumn weather prevents newly planted specimens from experiencing heat shock. The soil also retains warmth from the summer, promoting root growth without the demands of extensive top growth. This allows the plant to focus its energy on developing a strong root system, which is crucial for its long-term health and vigor. Furthermore, fall often brings more consistent and gentle rainfall, reducing the need for constant manual watering and helping the soil settle around new roots.
Transplanting and Plant Division Methods
Transplanting existing plants from one location to another, or dividing mature plants to create new ones, are excellent ways to expand your garden or relocate plants that have outgrown their space.
Methods for Transplanting:
- Bare-root transplanting: This method is often used for dormant trees and shrubs. The plant is dug up with as much of its root system as possible, and the soil is carefully removed from the roots. The plant is then immediately replanted in its new location.
- Ball and burlap (B&B) transplanting: Common for larger trees and shrubs, this involves digging up the plant with a significant portion of its root ball intact, which is then wrapped in burlap to protect it during transport.
- Container transplanting: For plants grown in pots, this is the simplest method. The plant is carefully removed from its container and placed directly into its new planting hole.
Methods for Plant Division:
- Clump division: Many perennial plants, such as Hostas, Daylilies, and ornamental grasses, can be divided by simply digging up the entire clump and carefully separating it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy root system and some foliage.
- Rhizome division: Plants with rhizomes (horizontal underground stems), like Irises, can be divided by cutting sections of the rhizome that have roots and shoots.
- Tuber division: Plants like Dahlias and Cannas, which grow from tubers, can be divided by separating the tubers, making sure each section has an "eye" or growth bud.
Preparing a Plant for Transplanting
Proper preparation is key to a successful transplant. A few days before you plan to move a plant, give it a good watering to ensure it's well-hydrated. This helps to reduce transplant shock. If you're moving a larger plant, consider pruning back some of the top growth to reduce the demand on the roots once it's transplanted. For plants that have been in the ground for a while, digging a trench around the drip line a few weeks prior to the move can encourage new root growth closer to the main root ball, making the transplant less stressful.
How Big a Hole Should Be for Planting
The size of the planting hole is crucial for healthy root development. As a general rule, the hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball of the plant and no deeper than the height of the root ball. You want the top of the root ball to be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent water from pooling around the crown of the plant, which can lead to rot. A wider hole allows the roots to spread out easily into looser soil, rather than encountering compacted soil walls.
Soil and Additives for Planting
- The right soil and appropriate amendments can significantly impact the success of your planting efforts.
- Soil Type: Most plants thrive in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. If your existing soil is heavy clay, sandy, or lacks nutrients, amendments will be necessary.
- Organic Matter: This is the most important additive for almost any soil type. Incorporating compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold improves soil structure, drainage, aeration, and water retention, while also providing a slow release of nutrients. Aim for at least a few inches of organic matter mixed into the top 6-12 inches of your planting area.
Other Additives (as needed):
- Perlite or Vermiculite: For heavy clay soils, these can improve drainage and aeration.
- Sand: While sand can improve drainage in clay, it needs to be mixed thoroughly and in significant quantities; adding too little can actually make clay soil harder. Organic matter is generally a safer and more effective solution.
- Bone Meal or Rock Phosphate: These can be added to promote root development due to their phosphorus content, though often a good organic compost provides sufficient nutrients.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: These beneficial fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing their ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Fall planting and transplanting offer a unique window of opportunity to enhance your garden. By understanding the benefits of the season and employing proper techniques for preparing plants, digging the right-sized holes, and amending your soil, you can ensure your plants establish strong root systems and thrive for years to come. So, don't put away your gardening tools just yet – embrace the beauty and bounty of fall!
Join our seminar to learn more about fall planting and transplanting! Our seminar is on Sunday, October 12th, at 10:00 AM at the Green Thumb Garden Centre.
We're open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Stop by for assistance or to explore our offerings—we'd love to see you!