Fall may signal the end of the gardening season, but it is actually one of the best times for me to put many plants in the ground. Cooler air, warm soil, and more consistent moisture create ideal conditions for roots to establish before winter.
Planting in fall also gives my bulbs, perennials, and trees a head start. By spring, their roots are already developing, allowing them to focus their energy on new growth, flowers, or fruit.
If you want a garden that comes back strong next year, don’t wait until the first hard freeze. Here are 12 plants worth getting into the ground this fall.
Tulips
Tulips are one of the most popular fall-planted flowers, and for good reason. Their bulbs need a period of cold dormancy before they can produce their familiar spring flowers.
Plant tulip bulbs in fall once the soil has cooled but before the ground freezes. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Bulbs generally perform best when planted several inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward.
Avoid planting tulips in areas where water collects because consistently soggy soil can cause bulbs to rot.
For the biggest impact, plant tulips in groups rather than scattering individual bulbs throughout the garden. Clusters of the same color can create a much more dramatic display when spring arrives.
Daffodils
Daffodils are another spring favorite that should be planted in fall. They are remarkably dependable and can return year after year with relatively little maintenance.
Choose healthy, firm bulbs and plant them in a sunny or partially shaded location with good drainage. Like tulips, daffodil bulbs need time in cool soil to develop properly.
One of their biggest advantages is their ability to naturalize. Once established, daffodils can multiply and gradually create larger displays every spring.
Plant them along pathways, beneath deciduous trees, around shrubs, or in perennial borders for an easy burst of early-season color.
Crocuses
If you want some of the earliest flowers in your garden, make room for crocuses. Their purple, yellow, white, and striped flowers provide welcome color after winter.
These small bulbs are planted in fall and can emerge surprisingly early in spring, sometimes pushing through the last traces of snow in colder climates.
Crocuses prefer sunny locations and well-draining soil. Plant the bulbs several inches deep and consider placing them in clusters for a more natural appearance.
They work especially well in lawns, rock gardens, borders, and beneath deciduous trees where they can receive plenty of spring sunlight.
Alliums
Alliums are an excellent choice if you want something that adds height and structure to your spring and early-summer garden.
These ornamental members of the onion family grow from bulbs that are typically planted in fall. Their tall stems are topped with round clusters of flowers, creating an architectural look among shorter plants.
Plant allium bulbs in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Avoid areas that remain waterlogged after rain.
Another advantage is that alliums can attract pollinators when they bloom. Their dried flower heads can also remain attractive after flowering, giving your garden additional visual interest.
Peonies
Peonies are long-lived perennials that can remain in the garden for decades when planted in the right location.
Fall is an excellent time to plant bare-root peonies because cooler weather gives their roots time to establish before spring growth begins.
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. One of the most important things to remember is planting depth. Peony roots planted too deeply may produce plenty of foliage but few flowers.
Give each plant enough room to grow and avoid placing it where it will be crowded by trees or large shrubs.
Don’t worry if your new peony doesn’t put on an impressive flower show immediately. These plants often take time to become established, but the wait can be rewarded with years of spectacular blooms.
Hostas
If you have a shady garden, hostas are one of the easiest perennials to consider planting in fall.
Their large leaves come in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, and variegated combinations, making them useful for adding texture and color to areas where many flowering plants struggle.
Hostas prefer partial to full shade, although some varieties can tolerate more morning sun. Prepare the soil with organic matter and make sure the planting area drains well.
Water newly planted hostas consistently while they establish their roots, particularly if rainfall is limited.
Once established, hostas are relatively low-maintenance and can return every year, gradually becoming larger and more impressive.
Daylilies
Daylilies are another dependable perennial that can benefit from fall planting. Use daylilies along borders, pathways, slopes, or mixed perennial beds for reliable summer color.
They produce attractive flowers in an enormous range of colors and are known for their toughness. Once established, they can tolerate a variety of conditions and generally require little maintenance.
Plant daylilies in full sun or a location with several hours of direct sunlight. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil and should be watered thoroughly after planting.
Fall is also a useful time to divide and transplant established daylily clumps. Giving the roots time to settle before the growing season can help transplanted plants get off to a strong start.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are a fantastic addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. Their daisy-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during the growing season.
Planting coneflowers in fall gives their roots an opportunity to establish before the next growing season. Choose a sunny location and well-draining soil.
Once established, coneflowers are relatively drought-tolerant and don’t require constant attention.
Consider leaving their seed heads standing through winter instead of cutting everything back immediately. The dried heads can provide food for birds and add winter interest to the garden.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are another hardy perennial that deserves a place in the fall garden.
Their bright yellow flowers with dark centers can bring a cheerful splash of color to summer borders and naturalized areas. They are also valuable to pollinators and can help create a more wildlife-friendly garden.
Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil. Water newly planted plants regularly enough to help their roots establish, but avoid keeping the soil constantly saturated.
Once established, black-eyed Susans can be remarkably resilient. Their flowers can also be left standing after the growing season to provide seeds for birds.
Fruit Trees
Fall can also be an excellent opportunity to plant fruit trees, depending on your climate and the specific tree variety.
Apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach, and other fruit trees can benefit from being planted while temperatures are cooler and the soil is still workable.
Choose a variety suited to your local growing conditions and select a location with adequate sunlight and good drainage.
When planting, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system without forcing roots into a cramped space. Avoid planting the tree deeper than it was growing in its nursery container or original soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and continue monitoring moisture levels during dry periods. A layer of mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and protect the roots, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
Getting a fruit tree established before spring can give it a valuable head start on future growth.
How to Choose What to Plant This Fall
Before buying plants, take a few minutes to evaluate your garden. The best choices will depend on your climate, soil, sunlight, and the type of garden you want to create.
Consider Your Climate
Check which plants are suitable for your local climate and winter conditions. A plant that thrives in one region may struggle in another.
Check Sunlight
Observe how much direct sunlight different areas of your garden receive. Plants such as tulips, alliums, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans generally prefer sunny locations, while hostas are better suited to shadier areas.
Examine Your Soil
Poor drainage can cause bulbs and roots to rot. If your soil stays wet for long periods after rain, improve drainage or select plants that are better suited to those conditions.
Think About Your Goals
Do you want colorful spring flowers, long-lasting perennials, homegrown food, or a garden that supports pollinators? Your goals can help narrow down the best choices.
Consider Mature Size
A small plant can eventually become much larger. Check the expected mature size before planting trees, shrubs, and spreading perennials to prevent overcrowding later.
Fall Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Even plants that are naturally suited to fall planting can struggle when they’re planted incorrectly.
Planting too late: Don’t wait until the soil is frozen and difficult to work. Give plants enough time to establish roots before severe winter conditions arrive.
Planting at the wrong depth: Bulbs, crowns, and perennial roots have different depth requirements. Follow the recommendations for each specific plant.
Choosing unsuitable plants: Make sure the plants you purchase can tolerate your local climate and growing conditions.
Overwatering: Newly planted plants need moisture to establish, but constantly saturated soil can damage roots and bulbs.
Skipping mulch: In climates with cold winters, an appropriate layer of mulch can help protect roots and reduce temperature fluctuations.
Overfertilizing: Newly planted plants generally don’t need excessive fertilizer, particularly late in the growing season. Focus first on healthy soil and proper establishment.
Ignoring drainage: Waterlogged soil is one of the quickest ways to lose bulbs and young plants. Correct drainage problems before planting whenever possible.
General Successful Fall Garden Tips
A little preparation can make your fall planting much more successful.
Prepare planting areas before you buy your plants. Remove weeds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter where appropriate.
Water plants thoroughly after planting, then monitor the soil during dry periods. Don’t assume that cooler weather means newly planted roots don’t need moisture.
Add an appropriate layer of mulch to protect roots and help maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks.
It’s also helpful to label areas where you’ve planted bulbs. Once the foliage disappears during winter, it can be surprisingly easy to forget exactly where everything is located.
Most importantly, pay attention to your local weather. Planting windows vary considerably by climate, so aim to get everything in the ground while the soil is still workable and before severe freezing conditions arrive.
My Final Thoughts
Fall is far from the end of my gardening season. For many plants, it is the beginning of next year’s garden.
Whether you’re dreaming of a garden filled with spring flowers or planning ahead for homegrown vegetables and fruit, planting now can give your garden a valuable head start.
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