Smart Gardeners Know: Autumn is Just the Beginning
When most people think of gardening, they picture spring. But here in Fayetteville, NC, seasoned gardeners know a secret: fall is actually the best time to plant.
At Green Biz, we always say, “Fall is for planting!”—and we’re not just being clever. From trees and shrubs to perennials and cool-season vegetables, planting in the fall gives your garden a serious head start.
Here’s why fall planting works so well in the Sandhills:
1. Warm Soil, Cool Air = Happy Roots
Even as the air gets cooler in September and October, our soil stays warm well into November. That warm soil encourages strong root development, while cooler air reduces stress on new plants.
🪴 The result? Plants focus on establishing roots instead of putting out flowers or leaves—setting them up to thrive next spring.
2. Less Watering, More Rain
In fall, we typically get more consistent rainfall—and with cooler temps, water doesn’t evaporate as quickly. That means:
- Less work for you
- Less shock for your plants
- Healthier, deeper root systems
👉 Especially helpful for newly planted trees and shrubs!
3. Trees and Shrubs Love a Fall Start
Planting trees and shrubs in the fall gives them several extra months to establish roots before summer heat returns.
This leads to:
- Better drought tolerance
- Faster spring growth
- Reduced transplant shock
🌿 From shade trees to flowering shrubs, now’s the time to plant for long-term success.
4. Fall Flowers and Cool-Season Veggies Shine
Fall is also the perfect time to refresh your garden beds with:
- Pansies, violas, and mums for seasonal color
- Ornamental kale and cabbage for texture
- Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and more in your veggie garden
🌾 Don’t forget: late summer and early fall are ideal for planting fescue grass!
5. Better for Wildlife and Pollinators
Many pollinators are still active into fall—and fall-blooming plants like goldenrod and asters provide essential late-season food.
🌻 By planting native flowers and shrubs now, you’re helping create a healthier ecosystem that’ll return stronger in the spring.
6. Easier on the Gardener, Too
Let’s be real: working in the garden in 80-degree fall sunshine beats sweating it out in July! Fall gardening means:
- Fewer bugs
- Cooler temps
- Less sunburn
- More time to enjoy the outdoors
It’s the best season to be in the garden—hands down.
What to Plant This Fall in Fayetteville, NC
Here’s a quick list of fall-friendly plants:
- Trees: Oak, maple, redbud, crape myrtle, dogwood
- Shrubs: Azaleas, camellias, hollies, hydrangeas
- Perennials: Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, salvia
- Vegetables: Spinach, lettuce, kale, broccoli, carrots
- Lawn: Tall fescue (best planted September–October)