The fall planting season has arrived! Temperatures are cooler, and it’s a great time to replace plants you may have lost during the hot summer.
Why is fall planting so good for plants? Soil temperatures are still warm, encouraging root growth and development and allowing plants to get much better established before next summer’s heat sets in. Also, with cooler temperatures, plants need less water. Forget to water just one day in the summer, and your new plants can be toast. From the fall season through spring, water newly planted plants once every 3-4 days.
There are exceptions to fall planting. Bare root plants, including roses, pecan, and fruit trees are generally planted in late December or January when they are dormant. Palm trees and other tropical plants will do best if planted during the spring or summer. Be sure to look for healthy, well-grown plants. Add 2-3 inches of compost to the surface of the soil after planting and before covering with granite or rock (keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem or tree trunk).
Fall is also an excellent time to plant a vegetable garden. Visit the AZ Master Gardener website (http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/vegetable/fall.html) to see tips for planting and caring for a vegetable garden.
