It’s pretty simple, actually. In the fall, the warm soil encourages root growth. Roots continue to grow through the winter until the ground actually freezes. In early spring, the roots of plants that were planted in fall are far better equipped to deal with heat and drought, largely due to their better-established root systems.
Plants that were started in fall begin new growth more quickly or continue to develop at a faster rate, and top growth begins. The same plant that was planted in spring gets a slower start, due to cool soils and transplant shock, while those that were fall planted are becoming well established.
So fall is when a plant focuses on root growth and strength because there is no competing top-growth activity.
Of course, there are plenty of other good reasons to plant in the fall: more precipitation, cooler weather, easier weed control, and fewer pest and disease problems. Another big fall planting advantage is more time.
Every fall-planting advocate mentions it. In the fall, the gardener has far more time to get the work done. And this works for you in two ways. First of all, there is a longer period of good days for planting in the fall than during our tricky weather in spring. And secondly, the gardener doesn’t have to deal with the spring rush to get everything done after winter.
So come in to Moana Nursery and take advantage of fall planting and our Timely Landscape Specials. Or search and explore plants that thrive in our unique climate and region via Moana Nursery’s exclusive High Desert Plant Finder & Guide.
You and your landscape will be very happy you did!
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NOTE: This is a sponsored post.
Lisa Braginton is a plant doctor at Moana Nursery in Reno.
