Home » Plants & Animals » California Gardening » Fall is for Planting

Fall is for Planting

© Keith Muraoka

Contrary to popular belief, fall -- and not spring -- is the best time to plant. And this is particularly true for most gardeners in California since most of the state has a relatively mild fall.

Yes, I know how tempting it is to go crazy with new plantings come spring, but you can get a head start by planting many specimens now. A plant set out now has summer's peak heat behind it, the probability of soaking rains ahead and still-warm soil to encourage immediate and deep-root growth.

Water-wise gardeners have long recognized the value of fall planting. As days shorten and nights lengthen, plants transpire less and require less water. Strong roots begin to develop in the warm soil, and soaking winter rains encourage them to penetrate deeper.

For the most part, anything with the exception of frost-tender plants can be planted now. In most parts of California, you should hold off on planting things like citrus, especially limes and lemons, as well as sub-tropical plants like hibiscus and bougainvillea. On the other side of the picture, spring bloomers like raphiolepis (India hawthorn), rockrose (cistus) and perennials like delphinum, dianthus and yarrow will have established root systems by spring if planted in the fall.

It almost goes without saying that seeding new lawns, laying down sod or planting groundcovers should all be done now. You can even take advantage of "fall bargain days" at area nurseries as nursery people attempt to clear out summer stock. For this reason, some specimens on sale may be rootbound. This shouldn't be a reason not to buy, though. Many nurseries simply pot up rootbound stock into larger containers and make a bigger profit come spring. You can save money by buying rootbound stock so long as you plant it immediately. Before planting, it's a good idea to make two cuts opposite each other about an inch deep running the length of the rootball. This makes it easier for new roots to get established.

The soil mixture you plant is is very important, even more so this time of year. Never use plain garden dirt to plant, especially with our heavy rains coming. Always make your own custom planting mix using planting mix, compost, redwood soil conditioner, peat moss, sand, perlite, etc. This will ensure the soil doesn't stay too wet and rot out roots.

Always water well immediately after planting and, if Mother Nature holds off on rain, keep things watered at least once or twice a week during our Indian Summer days. Newly seeded or sodded lawns will need water almost daily if it doesn't rain.