Plant Now for a Better Spring Garden

Spring may feel far away, but some of the best spring gardens actually begin in fall. September’s cooler temperatures combined with soil that is still warm from summer create excellent conditions for planting many trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-blooming bulbs.

For Connecticut gardeners, fall is a great opportunity to make landscape improvements now while giving new plants time to begin establishing roots before winter.

Why Fall Is a Great Time to Plant

Plants experience less heat stress as temperatures cool, but the soil remains warm enough to support root development.

Fall planting offers several advantages:

• Cooler temperatures reduce stress on new plants
• Warm soil encourages root growth
• Plants can focus energy on establishing roots
• Cooler weather reduces moisture loss
• Established roots give plants a head start in spring

A little work this fall can lead to stronger plants and a more beautiful garden next year.

Plant Trees and Shrubs

If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree or shrub, September is a great time to get started.

Consider trees and shrubs for:

• Shade
• Privacy and screening
• Spring flowers
• Fall foliage
• Evergreen structure
• Wildlife habitat
• Landscape focal points

Before choosing a plant, consider its mature size, sunlight needs, soil conditions, drainage, and available space.

Add Perennials Now

Fall is also a wonderful time to fill garden gaps with perennials.

Planting now gives many perennials an opportunity to establish roots before winter dormancy. They’ll be ready to resume growth when temperatures warm next spring.

It’s also easier to spot areas that need improvement while this year’s garden is still fresh in your mind.

Plant Bulbs for Spring Flowers

Those cheerful tulips and daffodils that announce spring don’t get planted in spring. Their journey begins in fall.

Popular spring-blooming bulbs include:

• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Crocus
• Hyacinths
• Alliums

Plant them in fall after temperatures cool and before the ground freezes, following the recommended planting depth for each variety.

Keep New Plants Watered

Don’t let cooler temperatures fool you. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials still need consistent moisture while establishing roots.

Water slowly and deeply around the root zone, especially during dry stretches. Continue monitoring soil moisture until the ground freezes.

Add a Layer of Mulch

Mulching after planting helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and reduce competition from weeds.

Apply mulch around the root zone, but keep it away from tree trunks, shrub stems, and perennial crowns.

Plan Ahead While the Garden Is Fresh in Your Mind

September is also a great time to evaluate your landscape.

Where could you use more shade? Is there an empty spot that needs a flowering shrub? Would a grouping of perennials improve a garden bed? Where would you love to see spring bulbs next year?

Making those improvements now means you’ll have less to tackle when the busy spring gardening season arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September a good time to plant in Connecticut?

Yes. Cooler air and warm soil can provide favorable conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs, and perennials.

What should I plant in fall?

Trees, shrubs, many perennials, and spring-blooming bulbs are all excellent choices for fall planting.

Do new plants need water in fall?

Yes. Continue watering new plantings as needed until the ground freezes.

When should I plant spring-blooming bulbs?

Plant spring-blooming bulbs in fall once temperatures cool and before the ground freezes.

Is fall planting better than waiting until spring?

Both seasons offer planting opportunities, but fall gives many plants time to begin establishing roots before the following growing season.

Visit Cropley’s Garden Center

Don’t put the gardening gloves away just yet. Stop by Cropley’s Garden Center for trees, shrubs, perennials, spring-blooming bulbs, and everything you need to make the most of Connecticut’s fall planting season.

Cropley’s Garden Center
1262 Boston Turnpike
Bolton, CT 06043

Fall Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

We’re grateful for our customers, friends, and growers, and we look forward to helping you create a garden you’ll love this fall and next spring.