The Best Time for Planting Is Now
Tips on What to Plant Before the First Frost Hits
It’s that time of year again—the time when every schoolkid is cherishing those last hours of summer freedom. That’s right. Back to school time is just around the corner. So, before it’s too late, recruit your teens and their neighborhood friends for one last backyard project. There is plenty of outdoor planting to do and the time to do it is now—before fall arrives!
What’s that? You thought spring was the ideal planting season? Most people do. But the truth is, all those April showers can make planting challenging— especially when areas aren’t properly drained. In addition, sudden hot weather often follows the spring rains—and this type of heat and accompanying dry spells can damage new growth. So, mid-August through early October is really the best time for planting in Basking Ridge, NJ since temperatures and moisture levels are more stable (which helps promote root growth). Here are some of the best things to plant in late summer or early fall:
Shrubs and trees. If you’re looking to plant trees, choose conifers or deciduous trees or shrubs. Even those sold at garden centers in burlap or container grown balls do well with early fall planting. Why? Typically, these types have well-developed root systems that can still grow when soil temperatures start to dip. And as always, keep your newly planted saplings well watered!
Vegetables. If you’re looking to plant some veggies that can tolerate the upcoming cooler weather, you’ll do well if you choose the B’s and C’s! Beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and carrots all do well with fall planting. Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and spinach are also good “cool season” veggies.
Flowers. Choose perennials such as peonies, pansies and hostas. You can also plant bulbs in the fall designed to bloom in springtime. Spring-blooming bulbs need a cold dormant season prior to blooming.
More Late Summer Gardening Tips!
Aside from planting, there are other tasks that can be accomplished before those back-to-school days arrive. Follow the tips below and you’ll have a thriving, lovely garden to enjoy season after season. If you need assistance, feel free to call our landscape experts!
- Look for pests. Check your garden for insects, snails, slugs and diseases that might be trying to invade your green space. If you notice any problems, take care of it sooner than later.
- Cater to your lawn. If you’ve had a dry season or an extra hot summer, remember to feed your lawn with a decent slow-acting fertilizer and increase watering if you see any burned-out patches.
- Water your gardens. Don’t forget to keep your garden soil moist. At times, you may want to water twice a day.
- Don’t forget to weed. While it’s not the most enjoyable job, remember to continue weeding your garden beds. If you have any plants that are still flowering, remove their faded blooms and dead heads.
Need some early fall planting done? Or perhaps you want to add some outdoor lighting to your patio? No problem! From lawn care to landscape design and lighting—whatever your outdoor needs may be, Castle Point Landscape Design is always available to help. Feel free to contact us using our online form!