I’ve had a few customers recently ask if it’s too late in the year to plant. The answer to that is no it’s not too late as long as you’re planting hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials.
October through April is the absolute best time of the year in our area to plant those hardy plants. Why, you ask? Well, for a few reasons:
1. It’s not so stinking hot, so the plants don’t suffer as much heat/transplant stress.
2. You won’t see any top growth happening during the fall/winter months, because all the fun is happening underground. Those roots are busy, busy, busy getting established. Which means by the time the sweltering summer months come back around, the plant is very much ready to handle it.
3. You still need to water those new transplants, but you won’t need to water quite as much.
Since we’re specifically talking about planting natives that are hardy in our area, zones 8b – 9a, the normal winter cold won’t be an issue either. Yes, we did drop into the low 20s this past winter, which is a bit cold for our area. When that happens, then we do need to think about covering certain plants. That is a topic for a different post.
I’m not sure how the myth of spring being the best planting time became a thing, but it’s pretty much been indoctrinated into our brains for years. One of my goals is to help break that myth. So. Don’t be afraid of planting those natives this time of year! It’s easier on us, and it’s easier on our plants. Remember: October through April is for planting.
Happy diggin’ in the dirt!
Jeanni and Ziva
Bella Jardins Boutique
Beautiful Gardens Begin Here
