Can I plant in Fall? Ask the Expert: Liz Hoffman, West End Garden Center

ASK the EXPERT:  Liz Hoffman of West End Garden Center

West End Florist & Garden Center

3800 Old Glenview Rd. Evanston, IL 60201

(847)251-1943

Can I plant in Fall?

Yes you can! Fall is fantastic for planting.

Gardeners love fall.  Not only is it a beautiful time of year, it is also a great time of year to plant, divide and transplant.  We have cooler air temperatures which is easier on both plants and gardeners.  The soil is still warm to promote good root development and help with establishment by having less stress on the plant.  You may not have to water as much.  Furthermore, typical Chicago Falls have more days that are nicer to plant in than unpredictable spring weather.

You can plant almost anything in fall.

Fall annuals for beds or containers include pansies, violas, kale, cabbage, mums, grasses, asters.  Perennials cover a wide variety from flowering plants (rudbeckia, salvia, nepeta) foliage plants (hosta, heuchera, and pulmonaria), grasses (sporobolis, pannicums), groundcovers (ajuga, vinca).  Shrubs can add impact to any garden in the sun or shade from hydrangeas to lilacs.  Shade trees and flowering trees add great bones to any yard; provide increase in property value and a decrease in utility expense.  Tulips, crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, snowdrops, alliums and many others are planted as bulbs in the fall to create early to late spring “wow” color.  Not only can you plant for beauty you can also plant for eating.  Cool crop veggies often make a second appearance in late fall markets so take advantage and plant some Swiss chard, kale, spinach, radishes, etc.

Fall Season for planting and transplanting in the Chicago area is from mid-August through October because our average first frost date is October 25^th-November 15^th.  This gives the plants enough time to establish before the harshness of winter weather.

Fall is fantastic not only because it is a great time to plant, sometimes your local independent garden centers and nurseries have items on special so saving money and beautifying your home at the same time.

Check with us at West End Florist and Garden Centers for questions, help, special promotions, soil amendments or installations.  We would love to help.

www.westendflorist.com Or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/westendevanston

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/8-22-1997/fallplant.html

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-66.pdf

http://www.almanac.com/content/fall-garden-planting-fall

Elizabethth Hoffman

Co-Owner and General Manager of West End Florist and Garden Center a fourth generation family business. West End was originated in 1908 in the Luxembourg tradition of truck farming in the little known village of Gross Point, IL which later became part of Wilmette and Evanston, IL.  The business has seen many changes in both its operation and surroundings; however it continues its family tradition of serving the gardening needs of the north shore.  Elizabeth has been active in the business since grade school and has been working full time from 1997.  Elizabeth currently grows both for retail clients and contractors over 250 different varieties of perennials.  Her rose selection is a well kept secret among professional landscapers.  Furthermore, she maintains a close network with other greenhouses to obtain most needs and wants for her everyday customers.  Elizabeth and her brother Jim own J and E Nursery in Libertyville, IL.  She is active in the IGA (Illinois Green Association) and is a certified Nursery Professional in both perennials and woodies, ANLA (American Nursery and Landscape Association), SAF (Society of American Florists), Teleflora Unit Board, Wilmette and Evanston Chambers of Commerce.