Why Fall is the Best Time for Planting in Columbus, MS

Why Fall is the Best Time for Planting in Columbus, MS

Top Landscaping tips to transform your columbus,ms yard

While everyone finds joy in the seasonal re-birth that comes with Spring after a long and dreary winter, it is important to know that Fall is an outstanding time of year to focus on planting trees and ornamental shrubs in Mississippi.

Thanks to cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall, new plantings experience reduced stress and strong root establishment for a longer period before the heat of the next summer season sets in. An additional benefit to Fall planting is the reduction in pest and disease pressure that is common during the summer months. Commonly used landscape shrubs that thrive in our area include Wintergreen Boxwood, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Sunshine Ligustrum, as well as many varieties of Loropetalum, Azalea, and Gardenia. Before selecting shrubs to plant, it is important to take into consideration the degree of sun exposure, soil type and drainage, and the mature height of the plant. A quick Google search will assist in making wise choices when it comes to avoiding overplanting near foundations or windows. Make sure that you select plants that are rated for the hardiness zone in which we live. Here in The Golden Triangle, you will want to make sure you use plants that are rated 8b or 9. When designing your own landscaping, space the shrubs to accommodate future growth without overcrowding. Use plants of staggered heights to provide a heightened degree of visual interest. A mix of deciduous and evergreen varieties will offer year- round appeal is best to plant on a mild and overcast day if possible. While many think that fertilization at planting time is necessary, it is best to fertilize in early Spring. Don’t forget to monitor plants after they’ve been installed to address any signs of stress especially if it is unseasonably dry.

After planting, install mulch about 2-3 inches deep to retain moisture and regulate root temperature. Make sure the mulch is a few inches away from the shrubs’ trunk, and water shrubs deeply 1-2 times per week until well established. Common to Fall porch décor are Mums, which can be annual or perennial. Garden mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) if planted early enough and given proper care are perennial plants that will bloom year over year. Florist Mums, typically used in pots or bouquets, are treated as annuals and not bred for hardiness. Thanks to Mississippi’s relatively mild winters, if you plant your potted mums in early fall or spring allowing time for roots to establish before the first frost, mums will come back time and again. It is important to plant them in well-drained soil and mulch well to prevent rot and protect the roots.

Things to remember to make planted mums thrive are to check the label to make sure you are picking out hardy garden mums and not florist mums. Deadhead (remove faded blooms) to encourage new flowers. After the first frost, cut mums back to 3-4 inches tall and mulch heavily. To keep the plants healthy and vigorous, divide them every 2-3 years.

Happy Fall planting Y’all!!