AUSTIN (KXAN) — Don’t put away your gardening tools just yet. With the arrival of fall, the season provides a prime opportunity to plant different species to ensure a vibrant garden come spring.
Dr. Michael Arnold, professor and garden director at Texas A&M University, confirms that fall is the ideal time to plant as the cool weather provides ideal conditions for establishing plants before the next growing season.
“Fall is a great time to plant,” Arnold said. “The obvious things that come to mind are wildflowers we might want to use. It’s also a good time to plant many spring-flowering bulbs.”
Arnold advised gardeners to think about what they want their garden to look like in the spring and plant accordingly. This includes planting trees and shrubs.
Wildflowers, usually native species, are well adapted to local conditions and can survive the winter when properly established. Arnold points out that keeping the soil moist so plants grow well is crucial to their survival.
For cold-season trees, shrubs and annuals, Arnold suggests providing protection during severe winter events. Watering plants before a freeze can help withstand temperature changes and prevent drying out due to winter winds.
With careful planning and preparation, fall gardening can lead to successful blooms in the spring, ensuring gardens remain vibrant and healthy despite the colder months.
All facts from this article were compiled by KXAN journalists. This article was converted to this format with the help of artificial intelligence. Edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools.