Many people believe spring is the only season in which you should plant and work in your landscapes and gardens. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Fall, which for yard and garden purposes begins in August, is an excellent time to plant and prepare for the following spring.

Plants benefit because fall is the best time for them to develop what they really need to survive: roots. Roots can develop in the fall with little competition for water and nutrients from the above-ground plant parts.

Trees and shrubs generally stop growing by July. By August, their leaves are “hardened-off” and lose much less water than earlier in the season. In September the days are shorter, and the air temperature is lower, resulting in still lower water loss.

At the same time, conditions for root growth are very good. The soil temperature drops slowly through the fall and remains high enough for root growth well into November.

Research has shown that roots remain active until soil temperatures dip into the 30s. So, trees and shrubs planted in August or September have a long period in the fall during which their root systems can get well established.

In spring, when the leaves and flowers start to develop, the root system will be able to supply all the water and nutrients needed for good growth.

Everyone knows that fall is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs, but few realize it is the best time to plant and fertilize a lawn.

It’s the best time to plant because there is much less competition from weeds and the grass has two cool seasons, fall and spring, in which to develop an extensive root system before the hot summer months. Most turfgrass varieties in Pennsylvania grow best in cool weather and are under stress in hot, dry weather.

It is the best time to fertilize because the grass roots are actively growing and absorbing nutrients at this time. This results in a denser, healthier lawn going into the winter. The grass also stores a lot of nutrients in its roots so that it is ready to produce a lush spring growth.

Fall is an excellent time to prepare your garden for spring planting. The soil should be tested and amended with lime, phosphorus and potassium, if needed. Organic matter can be added to improve soil structure.

The organic matter, lime and fertilizer can then be incorporated by rototiller or spade. The action of the soil freezing and thawing, followed by the melting snow and early spring rain, breaks up the soil and thoroughly mixes the amendments with it. The garden will be in prime condition for spring planting and will be more productive.

To obtain the best yield from your vegetable garden, the most beauty from your flowerbeds, and optimum growth of your turfgrass, trees, and shrub, you must provide a balanced supply of nutrients. The only way to do this is to have your soil tested.

Soil test mailing kits are available from your county Extension Office. They contain information on how to properly sample your soil and prepare it for shipping. There is a cost of $10.

Master Gardener at Allentown Fair:

The Great Allentown Fair is just around the corner, Aug. 30 through Sept. 4. The Penn State Master Gardeners will have a booth in the Agri-Plex where you can ask all your gardening questions.

Master Gardener Coordinator Joe Veshinfsky is giving a talk, “Growing A Tomato and Pepper Salsa Garden,” 3:15 p.m. Aug. 31, and “Growing Dahlias,” 4:15 p.m. Aug. 31, Centennial Stage, Agri-Plex, on the Fair’s west end.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.