Fall in Maine is for a lot of things: hunting and fishing, cool bug-free hikes, apple cider and figuring out what to do with all those tomatoes. It’s also back-to-school season and, finally, a chance for a few quiet hours at home.
But for gardeners, fall offers one of the best opportunities of the year. Cooler temperatures and slowing plant growth make it ideal for planting trees, shrubs and spring-flowering perennials. Unlike spring, when plants focus on new growth, fall encourages root development, allowing plants to establish themselves before winter.
September and October are the prime months for planting in Maine, and with careful attention, you can continue planting until the ground freezes. Fruit trees, roses and deciduous shrubs generally thrive when moved from containers into prepared soil in the cooler months.
Avoid planting shallow-rooted or delicate plants too late in the season, as they may struggle to establish before winter. For most other perennials and shrubs, fall is a gift: roots grow steadily while top growth slows, giving them a strong start for spring.
Planting technique depends largely on your soil. In clay soils, digging a huge hole and filling it with new dirt can trap roots. At the same time, Maine’s native soil can be harsh on young plants. A good compromise is to mix compost into the backfill and blend new soil with existing soil to avoid creating abrupt transitions.
Watering is crucial this fall, especially since the soil in most of Maine is as dry as the Sahara right now. Follow the advice of an old gardener I admire: “Mud ‘er in good.” Flood the partially backfilled hole with water to wash fine soil particles against the roots, then let the water drain before lightly treading in the backfill. Avoid compacting the soil too heavily. Finally, apply a generous mulch to protect roots from temperature swings and prevent plants from heaving out of the ground.
Fall is also ideal for revisiting garden design. Empty gaps, overcrowded beds or perennials choked by neighbors become obvious now. Lift and divide spring-flowering perennials that have overgrown, and share extras with friends. One gardener’s nuisance can be another’s treasure.
This season is perfect for planning spring blooms and correcting summer design mistakes. With fewer distractions, you can make thoughtful changes that pay off when the garden awakens in spring.
Nurseries often offer discounts in fall to make room for over-wintering stock. Look for plants with healthy roots, even if the tops are damaged, or those missing labels. A discerning eye can find great bargains that will thrive come spring.
And then there are bulbs. Each fall I add more daffodils, no matter how many I already have. This year a bag of pheasant eye narcissus is on its way, one of my top ten must-haves: fragrant, late blooming and elegant. I am hoping that as the summer jungle dies down I will find the paint stirrer sticks I planted in spring, noting “5 tall here” and “more Sun Discs (an enchanting miniature) here.” I’ll give the newcomers a good spot, not just wedge them into poor soil, and wait for spring rewards.
While fall is a season to relax and savor Maine’s beauty, it’s also a time to lay the groundwork for a spectacular spring garden. Every tree planted, bulb tucked in or perennial divided is a small investment in next year’s color, fragrance and joy. Get out there, plant with care and enjoy the anticipation of the blooms to come.
