What to Plant in Your Garden This Fall

The cool temperatures that come with fall make it a great time to get outside and enjoy the crisp and cool air. Fall introduces the potential for all different types of flowers, vegetables and more to thrive in your garden this season. Whether you’re looking for a pop of color or trying to add to your vegetable garden, here’s everything you know about what to plant this season.

Diversify Your Vegetables

Timing is key when planting vegetables in the fall. Most fall vegetables should be planted while the weather is still warm to allow their roots to grow and mature before the soil gets too cold. Luckily, there are many different types of vegetables that are hearty enough to grow in cooler weather, especially in the Southeast. Beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, radish, spinach and kale are all great options that grow well towards the end of the year.

Plant Fall Flowers

If you’re looking to plant a flower that will bloom in the fall, pansies are a great option. Pansies are perennials, so they will bloom in both the fall and spring, giving you two seasons of fantastic colors. Another flower that is great for fall is the chrysanthemum, which blooms stunning golden, orange and white colors. For flowers that will be ready to bloom in later seasons, try planting daffodils, grape hyacinth or peonies. Planting these in the fall will ensure that your yard will be filled with color come spring.

Garden with Green

Want to add some greenery to your yard? Hostas are hearty plants that stay green year round and grow quickly in a variety of climates. Another evergreen plant to consider are ferns. These plants thrive in shaded areas, away from direct sunlight. If you are considering establishing new grass in your yard, autumn is a perfect time. The hot and dry summer heat is over and weather conditions are perfect to seed or re-seed your yard. The cooler temperatures will help keep moisture locked in, and the soil will still be warm enough to help foster healthy roots.

Add Style and Privacy

The best time to plant trees and shrubs is in the fall. The soil is still warm but the air is cooler, making it the optimal time for roots to grow. Japanese maple trees have beautiful autumn-colored leaves that will last all year long and Gingko trees have fantastic golden leaves that will be sure to highlight your yard. If you’re looking to make your yard seem fuller and more private, shrubs and hedges are perfect to add, as they typically stay green throughout the entire year and can withstand light frosts. For fall-colored shrubs, try Chinese loro­petalum, a shrub filled with rich-colored burgundy leaves, or burning bush, a gorgeous red shrub that needs very little care or upkeep, and is resistant to harsh weather.

Try adding a variety of these plants to your yard or garden this fall, and keep your home looking green and healthy all year long.