Why Fall is the best time to plant!

🌳 SEPTEMBER PLANTING!

Why Fall is one of the BEST times to plant Trees, Shrubs & Perennials

As summer winds down and the cooler days of September arrive, you might think the gardening season is coming to an end.

Fall is actually one of the very best times to plant. The cooler weather makes planting easier on you — and gives your new plants a wonderful head start for next spring.

🍂 COOLER WEATHER

           = LESS STRESS

Cooler temperatures mean newly planted trees and plants aren’t battling the heat of summer.

The soil is still warm, which encourages healthy root growth, while cooler air and shorter days reduce moisture loss from the leaves.

That means your plants can spend their energy getting established instead of trying to survive the heat.

🌱 LET THE ROOTS GROW!

This is the big advantage of fall planting.

Even after the leaves have dropped and the garden looks like it’s slowing down, roots continue to grow while the soil remains warm.

Plant now to have several weeks — and sometimes months — to settle into their new home before winter. Come spring, they’ll already have an established root system and can get right to work putting on new growth. We suggest our GardenPro liquid transplanter for quick root development and for separating or transplanting.  

💧 LESS WATERING

Fall generally brings more natural moisture, so newly planted plants are less likely to dry out as quickly as they would during July or August.

You still need to water your new plants, especially if we have a dry fall, but keeping them hydrated is usually much easier than during summer.

🌸 A HEAD START FOR SPRING

While newly planted spring plants are just getting settled, your fall-planted trees, shrubs and perennials are already established and ready to grow.

Fall planting can mean:

● 🌳 Stronger roots

● 🌱 Less transplant stress

● 💧 Easier watering

● ❄️ Settle in before winter

● 🌸 Stronger Spring start

🪴 WHAT CAN YOU PLANT IN SEPTEMBER?

We still have plenty of choices!

Trees: Maples, cedars, fruit trees, dogwood, honeylocust, 

Shrubs: Lilacs, Rhodo, Azalea, boxwood, hydrangeas and more.

Perennials: Now is a great time to add colour, texture and pollinator-friendly plants to your garden. Rudbeckia, sedum, grasses.

And because everything is still looking great at the garden centre, you can actually see what you’re buying!

 A FEW TIPS FOR PLANTING

1. Dig a wide hole — not an extra-deep one.

The root ball should sit at the same level it was growing in its container. Amend with 50% compost, manure or topsoil and the original soil from hole.

2. Water thoroughly after planting.

Give those roots a good drink and continue watering as needed until 2 weeks prior to the ground freezing.

3. Add a layer of mulch.

A 2–3” layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and protects the roots from temperature swings. Keep mulch away from the trunk or stems.

4. Don’t fertilize heavily.

In fall, we want the plant concentrating on its roots rather than pushing lots of tender new top growth. Use bone meal or our liquid GardenPro transplant fertilizer for fast action on roots development.

5. Right plant for the right spot.

Sun, shade, soil and mature size all matter. If you’re not sure what will work, come talk to us!

🌿 COME PLANT WITH US!

At Dig Garden Centre, we’re gardeners too — and we’re always happy to help you choose plants that will thrive in your garden.

So don’t put your gardening gloves away just yet! Kids are back in school, the days are cooler, the soil is still warm, and your garden is giving you one last wonderful opportunity to get growing before winter.

Come see us at Dig Garden Centre and let’s get those roots growing! 🌱

Bulbs & Seed Garlic

Your best selection is purchased now and planted after Thanksgiving but before hard frost! Pick up a bale of no weed sedge for a protection layer before they sell out.

With 4 degree temperatures this morning you should be thinking about harvesting as many tomatoes as possible.

I have pruned all excessive foliage off my plants and as soon as they start to turn colour (breaker point) remove tomato and place in a paper bag or sealed box to ripen.

Ripening happens quickly without losing flavour as long as they have started turning colour.

You will also be amazed at how fast the remaining tomatoes ripen so check on them every couple days.

Think about purchasing frost cloth from the store for added warmth to extend the season.

We have had weekly specials since August, but Apple trees remain discounted until end of season.

***Roses will be discounted on Sunday the 20th starting at 25% off

Danielle and Patrica are working hard on ordering plants for next season. If you have a certain tree or larger quantity of shrubs then email your requests to: digorders@gmail.com

(Common individual plants are always available without orders)

Check out the new giftware

Stay connected on Facebook or instagram for end of season plant Sale details starting October