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Fall Gardening Tips

Fall Gardening Tips | Southern Botanical, your residential landscape maintenance company in Dallas, TX

It’s fascinating – this fall, plant an unassuming bulb and it will make its magnificent appearance next spring, just when you thought you can’t handle one more chilly, gray day. Spring is when the plants and flowers make their special appearance, but the season of fall is best for planning and planting.

Spring-blooming bulbs, turfgrass, perennials, cool-season vegetables, shrubs, and trees can all be planted effectively during the fall. A lot of homeowners typically plant during spring, but fall is an ideal time to establish your garden. During this time, the soil is still warm, allowing the plant’s roots to grow until cold temperatures hit. Disease problems such as pests also fade in the fall.

Enjoy a more beautiful garden the following year with the following planting advice and inspiration from Southern Botanical, your residential landscape maintenance services company in Dallas, TX.

1. Spring bulbs

To ensure an attractive spring display, plant bulbs in the fall. Spring bulbs need a period of cold dormancy in order to bloom.

  • Grape hyacinth
  • Daffodil
  • Allium
  • Siberian squill
  • Dog’s-tooth violet
  • Fritillaria
  • Winter aconite
  • Glory-of-the-snow
  • Snowdrop

2. Pansies

By planting pansies in the fall, you will get two seasons of enjoyment out of these favorites of the cool season. Keep the soil moist, and remove spent flowers so that the plants wouldn’t use its energy to set seeds. Mulch the plants as soon as the soil freezes to prevent alternate thawing and freezing cycles that can heave plants out of the soil.

3. Turfgrass

Fall is a great time to do most lawn chores and establish new turfgrass. In Texas, avoid fertilizing grasses. The only exception would be is if they have been over-seeded with winter ryegrass.

4. Shrubs and trees

Fall is the perfect time to plant shrubs and trees. Although it is cold, the soil is still warm enough and conducive for root development. Do not forget to plant them at their natural soil lines. It is best to check with your local utility company to identify any underground lines. Keep the newly planted shrubs and trees well-watered so they’ll get a good start before they become dormant during winter.

5. Perennials

Perennials are ideal to plant in the fall, especially those with large root balls. Plant or transplant peonies during this season, but try not to plant them too deep, or they won’t bloom. Fall is an ideal time to divide and replant hostas too.

To keep their roots strong and healthy, keep your perennials sensibly watered until the ground freezes. Be careful not to overwater, but ensure that your plants get at least one inch of water, once a week.

Keep in mind too that fertilizing your lawn during the fall season can be counterproductive. Your lawn needs fewer nutrients during the dormant months ahead. Fertilizing can keep the grass in a state of growth, and eventually, frost damage, causing more harm than good.

Southern Botanical, your Dallas residential landscaping services company, can offer additional suggestions and ideas to help you make the most out of your outdoor living space this season. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!