The days are finally getting cooler and rain is in the long-term forecast. It’s starting to feel like fall in Sacramento! The new season isn’t just about the weather changing, it’s also one of the best times of the year to plant everything from grass and shrubs to winter flowers and vegetables.

Our climate here in Sacramento poses many challenges to landscape. In the summer, we have long stretches of peak heat, sometimes with temperatures climbing above 100-degrees. In the winter, we are sometimes faced with frost when the temperature of air falls below 32-degrees. In both of those scenarios, plants go into dormancy. When this happens, they are essentially hibernating. Instead of using their energy to try to grow, they save it up until milder weather returns. They aren’t dying but are taking a winter break.

By choosing to plant in October and early November, you’re giving your young plants an opportunity to build their vascular systems and strong roots. That lays the foundation for them to be ready to withstand winter temperatures. Even though Sacramento winters aren’t as harsh as in other parts of the country, it’s still a good idea to give you plants time to establish before a cold front comes into the region. After planting, new plants should be watered consistently and deeply with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of eight to ten inches each week.

Another benefit to fall planting is that it is good for sustainability. For example, if you decide to plant turf, it’s best to do it when it is not hot – you’ll use less water and will have a higher rate of growth. The young grass won’t be fighting against the hot summer sun. That sustainability extends to your wallet as well. Trees, shrubs and flowers that are planted in the fall tend to have a higher success rate, so you aren’t spending additional time and money replacing them.

One other point to consider – fall gardening can be a lot of fun! Nurseries are full of a whole different array of plants than you’ll find in the spring like pansies and chrysanthemums. The weather is also a lot more enjoyable with cool mornings and warm afternoons with an abundance of sunshine. You won’t have to toil in the scorching summer temperatures. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy your yard well into autumn.

If you follow the fall planting rule, when spring comes your plants will already have established root systems and be strong enough to flourish come spring.

For some great plants and helpful advice, take a trip to your local plant nursery. Green Acres in Sacramento is a great family and dog-friendly choice!