🍁 Benefits of Fall Gardening

September can be a month of transitions, with back-to-school, fewer summer getaways, and a more structured schedule. It's also an excellent time to make changes in your garden through fall planting and establishing perennials in the ground to overwinter so they're ready to bloom in the spring.

When you plant in the fall, plants have the opportunity to establish their roots before winter arrives, which strengthens their growth come spring. Their roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes, and the soil will store moisture so that the plant requires less water while it's dormant. As a result, fall-planted perennials will be more established in the spring and will have a head start on growth compared to those planted in the spring, often blooming earlier as well. This early growth gives gardeners a chance to have a more relaxing spring and enjoy the beauty of watching their garden unfurl with new plants. The photo below shows how much a button bush shrub grew in the spring when planted the previous fall:

At the end of summer, you may notice gaps in your garden where you'd like to add more plants, making fall a good time for new additions. It's also a great opportunity to plant a new garden bed! Fall's cooler temperatures not only benefit the plants by reducing heat stress and water needs but also create a comfortable climate for gardeners to work without the burden of sweltering heat.

Note from the author: This article is also featured in the September 2025 Bulletin, for the Gardening Advice and Earthly Delights column