How to Prepare for Next Year's Garden
Planting a garden that blooms throughout the year takes a little planning, so here’s a tip for spring blooms: you need to plant bulbs now.
More precisely, you need to plant your bulbs before the first frost of the year. I know we have it in our minds that plants need lots of sun, water, and springtime to thrive. However, Fall weather provides cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight, which is actually less stressful on the plantings and their new roots.
Which bulbs can you plant in the Fall?
Tulips are a popular bulb for yards because of their brilliant colors and early blooms. Are tulips not your thing? That’s okay - there are so many other bulbs you can choose from to get spring blossoms!
The list is actually quite extensive in terms of what can be planted now for early spring blooms. A personal favorite of mine is the snapdragon, but you can also choose lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, irises, and crocuses.
How do you plant bulbs in the Fall?
I promise it’s pretty foolproof to plant them, and all you need to do is wait for their colorful show in the spring. Just follow the instructions on your selected plants and don’t delay too late into the winter, and you should be fine. Another piece of great news is that these early blooms help to feed the hungry pollinators in the springtime, so hey! You are helping your ecosystem by adding spring flowers to your garden.
Can you plant trees in the Fall?
Not only can flowers be put into the ground in the fall, but trees can be planted as well. One common rule of thumb is that if trees in your neighborhood still have leaves, it’s not too late to plant trees of your own. Just make sure the soil temperature stays at 50 degrees or higher for a few consecutive days. This planting season usually lasts from September through November, but you know Virginia weather - it’s best to make a plan and then adjust according to the forecast. Just be sure to keep the newly planted tree watered until our first freeze.
Can you plant vegetables in the Fall?
More of a vegetable gardener? There are some delicious, hardy vegetables such as spinach and kale that can take temperatures as low as the upper teens. Popeye would be proud of you for your dedication to your cold-weather planting! Those crops won’t survive the winter, but it will give you fresh greens until the first big snow.
Want to plant some food that is ready to be harvested in the Spring? Then try onions, garlic, shallots, turnips, carrots, and radicchio.
Can you plant lawn grass in the Fall?
And finally, if you’re trying to up your lawn game for the Spring, Fall is the best time to plant cool-weather turf grasses.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to help some things take root in your garden this fall! If you are looking for a more extensive garden overhaul, need a quick yard clean-up, or just generally need ideas on what to plant, schedule a call with me.