Fall is for planting! Pike Nurseries gives tips and tricks on best gardening practices for the season

It’s officially autumn, and the cooler nights combined with still-warm soil mean it's time for fall planting. Whether yards yearn for shrubs, trees, flowers or delicious edibles, autumn provides the optimum amount of time for healthy, robust root systems to develop before prime foliage and flower production happens next spring. For gardening beginners and seasoned green thumbs alike, Pike Nurseries has the expert advice to keep landscapes looking gorgeous all season long!

Favorite Fall Flowers
Signs of fall fever are popping up in flower beds, container gardens and festive décor everywhere. Cool weather loving flowers like chrysanthemums – commonly known as mums – and pansies, violas and snapdragons add vibrant color to fall displays and curb appeal to any yard. Spring blooming bulbs are also ideal for fall planting, as are perennials like asters, toad lilies, Black Eyed Susans and Echinacea.

Towering Trees
Trees are great additions to any landscape, as they provide focal points and shade. During the fall, deciduous trees show off their true beauty when leaves change colors from green to warm hues of gold, red and orange. Popular varieties include Maples, Gingkos and Dogwoods, which are common to the Southeast region. As is the Pike Nurseries promise, all trees and shrubs are guaranteed for life.

Structured Shrubs
Not only do shrubs enhance curb appeal by adding structure to the garden, but they make excellent cornerstones during the winter, offsetting other green foliage and deciduous plants. For year round interest, plant evergreen shrubs with vibrant leaves such as burgundy-red Indian Hawthorn, ruby-purple Loropetalum, yellow green Anise and dark green Camellias. In the fall and winter, Pyracantha, Beautyberries, Cotoneaster and Hollies provide beautiful berries, perfect for incorporating into holiday décor and indoor arrangements. 

Mulch Matters
Another way to keep the garden healthy and thriving throughout fall and into winter is to incorporate mulch into the landscape. Mulching in fall helps keep soil temperatures consistent, slows water evaporation and helps prevent weeds. Pike Nurseries offers a variety of mulch types and colors. For homeowners unsure as to which mulch makes the most sense for their landscape, the experts at Pike Nurseries can help choose the perfect companion for any yard. 

Hungry for Fall Edibles 
For gardeners hungry for fall vegetables, now is the perfect time to plant. Fall edibles such as cabbage, lettuce, spinach, collards and broccoli will provide a hearty harvest throughout the season. For first-time veggie gardeners, the key to success is planting them in well amended soil that receives at least six hours of sunlight. Just because summer is gone, doesn’t mean fruit has to be. Fall is ideal for planting fruit trees like apples, pears and peaches, as well as blueberry bushes.

For tips on growing fall edibles, customers can join Pike Nurseries for a FREE Cool Season Vegetables and Herbs Class this Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m. Happening at all store locations, green-thumb enthusiasts looking to shift focus from hot summer harvests to autumn planting will learn which vegetables and herbs are best during the region’s cooler months, as well as learn how to plant and care for the delicious harvest. In addition, guests who attend the free class will also receive a 15 percent discount on select items.

For best gardening practices during the fall season, as well tips on picking the perfect flowering plants, trees and shrubs, visit any one of Pike Nurseries’ 16 store locations. For more information on other offerings or upcoming events, please visit Pike Nurseries online at www.pikenursery.com.