Spring vs. Fall Plantings & Winter Damage
May 10, 2007 – 8:19 pm | by gaulardcom
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Remember last Autumn when I was so excited to tell you about that great deal I got on those Silver and Gold Chrysanthemums? Remember when I told you about how the best time for planting is in the Autumn? I take it all back.
Well, as it turns out, we had a few tragedies here at the house. The Silver and Gold Chrysanthemum and the China Boy and Girl Holly didn’t make it. I was so excited too.
I have a theory. The plants that I planted in the Autumn didn’t make it. Well, that’s not a theory, that’s what happened. The theory is that these plants didn’t have enough time to take root and resist the cold snap we had in February. There are some other plants that went in the ground in the Autumn that aren’t totally gone, but they definately took a hit. There is new leaf growth, so I am leaving them where they are. I think they will take off this year. All the other plants that we put in during last Spring are taking off great.
I never really knew how fast plants take root until I had to transplant a few Lilacs. They were only in for a few weeks and when I dug them up, the bottoms of the root ball didn’t want to budge. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the roots were in the ground a few good inches…already. The Autumn plantings never has a chance to do that and suffered the ultimate wrath.
So, what’s my advice? Go with the Spring plantings and pay the few extra bucks.
Oh, by the way, I am digging these up tomorrow morning and will be bringing them back to Home Depot, so Paul, please be ready at noon.
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