The Polk County Extension Center reminds area residents that now is the time to consider transplanting new trees and shrubs into your home landscape. Many garden centers and nurseries are advertising “Fall is for planting,” and the extension center said that is sound advice.
Why try fall planting? Unlike in the north, this area’s most stressful weather for plants is during the summer months. Fall planting is recommended for two main factors. First, the plants are going into dormancy with cooler temperatures and shorter days. This tends to lessen transplant shock on new plantings. Second, while the top growth of plants has stopped, the plant roots will continue to grow through most of autumn. This in turn will help plants survive the area’s hot and often dry summertime conditions.
Plants can be transplanted anytime during the year, but the amount of follow-up care varies depending on the season. The optimal time to set out most new plants is during the month of October.
If you have any questions about transplanting new trees and shrubs, the Polk County Master Gardeners are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – noon and Thursday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. at the extension center in Columbus. The number to call is 828-894-8218.
– article submitted
by John Vining