Most people shop for plants in spring, when garden centers are full and the weather feels hopeful. But across much of the country, fall is the better time to put trees, shrubs and perennials in the ground. Nursery professionals have a saying for it: fall is for planting.
What happens underground
In autumn, air temperatures drop while the soil stays warm from summer. Roots keep growing in warm soil long after leaves stop, so a plant set out in October spends the next several months building roots instead of pushing new leaves. By the time summer heat arrives, it has an established root system that can find water on its own.
A plant set out in May has the opposite problem. It has to grow leaves and roots at the same time, then face its first July with a root ball barely larger than the nursery pot.
How fall timing changes across the country
- South, Gulf Coast, California and the deserts: October through February is prime time for trees, shrubs and perennials. Many areas can plant all winter.
- Heartland, Northeast and Pacific Northwest: Aim for September to mid-October, at least six weeks before the ground freezes.
- Northern states, Plains and mountains: Plant from late August to mid-September, or wait for spring. Fall windows are short where winter arrives early.
- Alaska: Spring and early summer planting works better because the season is so short.
What to plant in fall
Trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses and spring-blooming bulbs all do well. Fall is also when to sow wildflower seed in the South: Texas bluebonnets and other cool-season annuals need to sprout in autumn and grow through winter to bloom in spring.
Hold off on tender tropical plants and anything marginal for your zone. Those are safer planted in spring so they have a full season to harden before their first winter.
Fall planting checklist
- Water deeply at planting, then weekly if rain doesn't do it for you. Roots still need moisture even when the weather is cool.
- Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep to hold soil warmth and moisture, keeping it off stems and trunks.
- Skip fertilizer. It pushes tender growth that can be damaged by frost.
- Keep watering through dry winters in the South and West, when evergreens can dry out.
Use the map at the top of this site to see your region's planting calendar. The highlighted months show your best windows for trees, perennials, bulbs and seed.