We like to say that plants are like the fashion industry – they are always a season ahead. In the winter, the landscape is busy sleeping, preparing for the hard work of growing come spring. In the spring, plants are moving up and out, sprouting leaves, flowers and branches to reach closer to the sun. They are also digging deep, growing roots to help them survive the heat and drought of summer. Summer they get to take a bit of rest, slowing their growth and showing off their beauty. When fall hits, they begin prepping for the cold, dark winter. Applying fall fertilization will help them make it out the other side.

Every plant in your landscape would appreciate a feeding, but it’s best to wait until they have gone to sleep. In our area the best time for applying fall fertilization is usually sometime between the middle of October and Thanksgiving. Now, if it’s 80 degrees at the end of October or still in the 50 60s near Thanksgiving, then hold off. You are waiting for a couple of frosts or freezes – when your perennials are dying back, it’s time to add your winter nutrients. Feeding your plants too early makes them think it’s time to grow again, which will leave them unprepared for the freezing temperatures. The ground still needs to be a bit warm, however. Placing fertilizer on a frozen surface means the nutrients will not travel down the roots, which need them to strengthen for the spring growing season.