Autumn’s crisp breezes beckon for garden maintenance, the sowing of bulbs for spring, and the final harvest of summer’s bounty, yet it’s crucial to be selective about what you plant. Even if you scored a steal on flora and shrubs at the garden store, October is not the season for certain plants to be rooted. Many simply won’t have the chance to form robust root systems before the winter chill and the ground hardens, or they are prone to frost and won’t endure the first frost. Springtime planting is ideal for these species, as it allows them ample time to become firmly rooted. Before welcoming new flowers and shrubs to your garden plots, take note of these plants that are best avoided in October.
Evergreens provide a splash of color throughout the winter months, yet fall is not the season for planting broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood, holly, and gardenias. The winter winds desiccate their foliage, and they struggle to absorb the vital moisture from the frozen earth. October is too late for them to acclimate properly before winter’s grip. Hold off on planting these until spring, after the first frost and when the soil temperatures begin to rise. This will give them a longer period to adjust before the next cold snap.
Canna lilies flourish in warmth and fertile soil, so planting them as temperatures begin to dip is ill-advised. Vulnerable to frost, these summer bloomers are best planted in spring. This allows them to establish strong roots and become firmly rooted during a lengthy growing period. They can be grown as annuals in many regions, but they are perennials in the southern regions, particularly in USDA Planting Zones 7-10. For those outside these zones, dig them up and overwinter them indoors to shield them from frost damage.
Dahlias, which sprout from subterranean tubers, require warm soil to thrive. Planting them as temperatures start to fall is not advisable. Spring is the optimal time for dahlias to be planted, allowing them to develop robust root systems. Wait until the soil temperature reaches 55ºF or higher to promote their growth.
Resist the urge to plant sun-loving plants like lavender until spring temperatures return. Cold-tolerant varieties may withstand the cold, but planting them just before the onset of cold weather is not ideal. They respond better to planting if given approximately eight weeks to establish before the first frost, making October too late in the season for lavender to have a fighting chance in the garden.
Before planting hibiscus in autumn, identify the type you possess. Hardy hibiscus can be planted in October if given sufficient time to establish before the first freeze. However, tropical hibiscus plants should not be planted in October as they do not thrive in cold conditions. Ensure you know what you’re purchasing, as this type falters in the cold. Once temperatures drop, these sun-seekers require protection, so plan to bring them indoors for the winter.
Planting these fragrant perennials in October can lead to their demise in freezing conditions. It’s best to wait until after the last frost in spring to plant them. This allows the plant to establish healthy roots and grow throughout the season. Before the arrival of cold weather and the first hard frost, dig them up and store them in a cool, dark location indoors to shield them from frosts and freezes.
While October is an excellent time to plant herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, and oregano, basil is not suitable for fall planting. This warm-season herb is too delicate for cold temperatures, and frost will destroy it. Spring is the ideal time to plant basil seeds or transplant it to the garden. If you wish to extend the basil’s growing season, pot it and bring it indoors for the winter. Place it near a sunny window or use a grow light to ensure it receives ample light. During extreme cold, it may need to be moved away from windows.
Hardy begonias can withstand cold winter temperatures outdoors in Zones 6-9, but they are the only variety that can. October is the time to dig up tuberous begonias to dry and store them for the winter, but it’s not the time to plant them due to their frost sensitivity. This is best done in the spring, approximately eight to ten weeks before the last frost. Fibrous begonias, such as wax begonias, grow from fibrous roots and do not enter a dormant period during winter. They are therefore overwintered indoors as houseplants and planted outdoors in the spring after the frost threat has passed.
