Now is the Perfect Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

When autumn arrives, many gardeners start thinking about raking leaves, tidying beds, and wrapping up the season. But here’s a garden secret that experienced growers know well: fall is one of the very best times to plant. The cooler temperatures and steady moisture of autumn create the perfect conditions for establishing trees, shrubs, and perennials. If you’ve been dreaming about adding new life to your garden, now is the moment to dig in!

Why Fall is Ideal for Planting

It might seem counterintuitive to plant just before winter, but fall offers unique advantages that spring and summer can’t match:

• Cooler air, warmer soil: In autumn, soil retains the summer’s warmth while the air becomes cooler. This balance encourages strong root growth without stressing plants with scorching heat.
• Less watering required: Cooler weather and more frequent rainfall mean plants need less supplemental watering than they would in summer.
• Fewer pests and diseases: Many common garden pests slow down in fall, reducing stress on young plants.
• Head start for spring: Plants established in autumn develop strong root systems before winter. When spring arrives, they can put their energy into top growth right away.

Best Plants to Put in the Ground Now

Not everything thrives when planted late in the year, but many hardy species love the fall planting window. Here’s what to focus on:

• Trees: Maples, oaks, birches, and fruit trees can all be planted in fall. They’ll benefit from the extra time to settle in before summer heat.
• Shrubs: Evergreens like cedars and boxwoods, as well as deciduous shrubs such as hydrangeas or dogwoods, take well to autumn planting.
• Perennials: From peonies and hostas to echinacea and daylilies, perennials planted now will establish roots and come back stronger next spring.
• Spring bulbs: Don’t forget tulips, daffodils, and crocuses — fall is the only time to plant them for a dazzling spring display.

Tips for Successful Fall Planting

To make the most of this planting season, follow these steps:

• Prepare the soil: Loosen the planting area and enrich it with compost to provide nutrients for new roots.
• Plant early enough: Aim to plant at least 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes, giving roots time to establish.
• Water thoroughly: Even in cooler weather, water deeply after planting to eliminate air pockets and encourage strong root contact with soil.
• Mulch for protection: Add a 5–8 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch around the base of plants. This helps retain moisture and insulates roots as winter approaches.
• Skip the fertiliser: Hold off on fertilising until spring. Right now, you want plants to focus on root growth, not new leaves.

Ask Your Local Garden Centre

Not sure which trees, shrubs, or perennials will do best in your region? Your local Canadian garden centre is the perfect place to start. Staff can recommend hardy, locally suited varieties and help you pick the right plants for your garden’s soil, sunlight, and climate. Many centres also carry fall sales, making this season not just the best time to plant, but also a cost-effective one!

The Takeaway: Fall is Planting Time

Far from being the end of the gardening season, autumn is actually the beginning of next year’s success. By planting now, you’re giving your trees, shrubs, and perennials the gift of strong roots and a healthier, faster start come spring.

So grab your shovel, layer on a sweater, and head out to the garden. Fall planting season is here — don’t miss it!