YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN EARLY FALL PLANTING 
LEONARD BARRON 
Bulbs, Herbaceous Plants, Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees, in Fact Anything That Can Af¬ 
ford to Lose the Part That Is Above the Ground May be Planted for Spring Flowering 
Ml/jgjHAT there is a distinct advantage in fall planting all 
hinds of trees and shrubs (other than evergreens) and 
|>kSrSi herbaceous perennials is an accepted fact—with reserva- 
tions. Of course, everybody plants bulbs because every¬ 
body understands that, as they burst into flower so early in the 
spring, they have to make their root growth in the fall or early 
winter. It is equally true of deciduous and herbaceous plants 
that flower early, but with this exception, that whereas the bulb 
is bound to make its growth, any other kind of plant will make 
growth only when a real “growing time” follows the planting. 
All failures in fall planting are due to stock being put out under 
conditions which prevent its taking a new root hold in its new 
location, i. e., early frost or too dry soil. 
In the extreme North there are few nurseries, and stock has 
to be procured from more southerly and warmer regions. The 
reason for failure in fall planting in such a case is that the stock, 
sufficiently ripened before it is moved, experience ssuch a radical 
change from its previous condition that it is unable to make 
growth before winter arrives. 
I. The Problem of the Region 
OT all parts of the country afford equal opportunities for 
fall planting. Wherever there is a long open fall, the 
practice is successful, and in the warmer sections, indeed, work 
can be continued all the winter. This is sometimes possible on 
the Atlantic coast. There is no hard and fast rule; everything 
depends on the weather. 
In the East the months of September and October are usualiv 
good planting times, and the advantage of doing work at this 
period is the time gained for other work in the spring. South of 
Boston fall planting is possible except in the cases noted below. 
If the summer has been hot and dry, mulch heavily and see that 
the plants do not suffer for moisture during the winter. 
In the Middle West states and arid regions generally, fall 
planting is not practised except in the case of bulbs. In other 
cases, it is advised to defer planting till the spring. The fall 
season in the arid West is so short that plants set out now are 
killed before they can become established. This is due to the 
frequent absence of snow, with strong cold winds. 
In the South, fall and winter is the heaven-appointed time for 
the planter. Although vegetables above ground may be inac¬ 
tive in this region during the winter, yet the production of new 
roots continues. Trees heeled-in during fall will have developed 
a great number of roots when lifted for planting in the spring. 
Evergreens may be safely lifted in the early fall period following 
a sharp frost lasting until December, the work being resumed 
by the end of January. Broad-leaved evergreen trees may be 
shifted with equal safety after they are defoliated. 
In the extreme South (Florida) all deciduous fruits are planted 
during the fall and winter. Spring and fall merge so gradually 
into the other seasons that they are of no importance. Do 
orchard planting as soon as deciduous trees drop their leaves. 
Plant citrus trees at any time. 
On the Pacific Coast planting of trees, shrubs, etc., is done by 
preference toward the end of the year. 
II. Forest and Shade Trees 
T IS a good opportunity at this time to plant trees on large 
tracts for shelter or screen purposes because the work can be 
done at leisure without the anxiety that attends spring planting 
in order that everything may be rushed through before the sum¬ 
mer arrives. All large trees moved now, however, need heavy 
mulching to insure success. They may succeed without it, but 
it is better to be on the safe side. The loss of moisture from 
recently disturbed soil which is not covered by snow is great. 
Exceptions: Beeches, Birches, and other kinds with thin barks; 
Magnolias, Sweet Gums, and other kinds with thick, spongy roots; 
these must be planted in the spring; also Oaks, Thorns,and Dogwood 
in the North. 
Ill Flowering Shrubs and Hardy Roses 
T HE only Roses that can generally be planted safely in the 
fall are the hardiest kinds, rugosa and its hybrids; all others 
are best deferred till the spring. Late summer planting of climb¬ 
ing Roses is advantageous. If procured now, heel them in in a 
frost-proof cellar to plant next year. 
Throughout the East coast section plant out all early flowering 
shrubs or trees that do not flower on the terminal. 
Examples: Forsythias, Spirea Fan Houttei, Spirea arguta, 
Deutfias, Lilac, etc. 
IV. Evergreens 
O NLY in the South may coniferous evergreens be handled in 
any way during fall and winter; broad-leaved evergreens 
are risky, except in the warmer regions and even then should 
have their leaves stripped off. 
Exception: Rhododendron maximum is sometimes successfully 
planted in the fall if given winter protection from sun and a supply 
of moisture. 
V. In the Fruit Garden 
P LANT everything but the stone fruits, even including 
Strawberries. Procure stock from your own latitude or 
north of it rather than go far south, unless the fall is long and 
warm. Strawberries, even layer plants, can be lifted into beds 
the early part of October and will fruit next spring under high 
cultivation. Surely set out those named below: 
Gooseberries, Currants, Grapes, Raspberries, Blackberries. 
VI. In the Vegetable Garden 
AS MOST of the vegetable crops are raised from seed each 
f \ year, there is very little opportunity for fall planting in the 
garden. Some of the hardiest seeds may be put in on the chance 
of an early crop. Such are Lettuce, Round Peas, Corn Salad. 
Asparagus: Set out new beds only in fall, on well drained land, 
from old roots. You will gain a year. 
Rhubarb: Put out roots now. They may be forced for early 
crops next spring by covering with a barrel. 
VII. Perennial Borders 
N OW is the time to buy from the nurseries all perennials in 
large clumps before they are divided up for spring planting. 
Do not plant Anemones. 
Examples: Delphiniums, Hollyhocks, Achilleas, Golden-glow, 
Irises, and all hardy flower roots. 
VIII. Bulbs for Spring Flowers 
T HESE must be planted in the fall, and at no other time. 
Buy your supply of Dutch bulbs as soon as possible and 
plant immediately upon receipt. 1 he earlier they are in the 
ground the better the roots they will make. Tulips may be 
planted quite late. 
Examples: Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, Snowdrops, 
Lilies. All hardy tubers and roots that have finished their growth 
in the summer, including Irises of all kinds. 
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