Often I am asked when would be the best time to plant a tree. My
answer? In the fall . . . 10 years ago.
But really it is the fall in general – as the days shorten and the morn-
ing air becomes brisk – that's the best time for almost all planting.
There are a number of reasons for this.
The stressful heat of summer is over. The ground temperature in the
fall is still warm, while the air temperature is cooling down. This
means less stress on trees, shrubs, perennials, and vegetables.
Warm soil and cooler air stimulates root growth. This helps our
plants get a head start and have a better go at getting established
before the following summer.
There is another factor at play called vernalization, or 'winter chill-
ing.' Many perennials and vegetables require this for flower and fruit
production. If you miss this window and plant your perennial starter
plants in the spring, they probably won't flower until the following
year.
This overwintering or 'chilling' is also required by many of our
fall and winter vegetables, especially garlic and the crucifers (the
cabbage family). If you wait to plant them in the spring, generally
they will perform poorly.
Another great reason is that the cooler temperatures make it easier
on the gardener. Working outside becomes a joy!
If you are thinking of planting a tree this fall, may I suggest a Mon-
terey oak (Quercus polymorpha) - which is also known as
Mexican white oak.
This exceptional oak, found along our border with Mexico, has
proven to be a top performing evergreen shade tree: they grow fast,
they're drought-tolerant, and they resist oak wilt. (We have some
fine specimens in stock for $150.)
A reminder that this is also the time to treat winter weeds organically.
Spread the pre-emergent corn gluten on your lawns to slow and stop
winter-spring weeds from germinating.
Spread at the rate of 10lbs per 1,000 square feet. Corn gluten also
has a 9% nitrogen content which helps to winterize turf grass for
the cooler season ahead. Happy Gardening Everyone!
