by Stephen Gent, Owner
McDade’s Nursery
Stephen has 14+ years of experience in horticulture as Publisher and Marketing Director for Nursery Management and Production, Greenhouse Management and Production and Garden Center magazine.
An avid gardener with a lifelong passion for plants, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with customers.
The number one question we hear at the nursery this time of year is, when is the best time of year to plant? Without question, fall is the best time to plant – especially fruit trees, shade trees, shrubs and perennials. Here’s why.
The survival rate of plants is dramatically improved when planting takes place in October or November as the root system is established during the winter months. Even though above ground the plants appears to be dormant (and they are) underground roots are active, growing deeper into the soil to provide a strong anchor for the whole plant.
When spring arrives the plant is acclimatized to its new environment and is ready to put out strong leaves, new top growth and lots of flowers. Planting in the spring doesn’t always give the plant time to develop the roots necessary to support it fully during the heat of the Texas summers.
Now is also a good time to replace summer color plants with colors that are typically of the fall season – browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Cooler season annuals and perennials are just now becoming available. Check your local nursery for chrysanthemums, pansies, violas, ornamental kale, cabbage and peppers, dusty miller, dianthus, snapdragons, marigolds, alyssum, crotons, petunias to name just a few.
A quick note on chrysanthemums, they are perennials blooming in the autumn and then dying back in the winter. Cut them to a couple of inches above the ground and watch them come back strong in the spring to bloom again.
Remember there is still time to plant fall vegetables. Beets, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, peas, Swiss chard, lettuce, radish, spinach, turnips, onions, parsley, mustard and carrots are all crops that do well this time of year. Vegetables can be planted from seed or transplanted.
Also, make sure to adjust your watering schedule for the cooler temperature of fall. The recommendation is to water 2 – 3 times a week in the morning. Be sure to water long enough so the root system grows deep rather than staying close to the soil surface.
Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs or breakages to make sure water is getting to all areas in your lawns and beds.
Check your garden regularly for insects and fungi. Plants that have suffered heat stress during the summer are more prone to disease. If you find a problem, take care of it as soon as possible using a recommended insecticide or fungicide. Both organic and non-organic products are available to stop and protect against insects and fungi. This year in particular around Cedar Creek Lake, oak trees are prone to wooly aphids that give a snow like appearance to the leaves.
Happy Gardening
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