As the crisp air of fall settles over western Washington, it's time to start thinking about your garden. Fall is an ideal season to prepare your landscape for the colder months ahead while setting the stage for a beautiful, low-maintenance garden come spring. This guide will help you choose the best plants for our USDA zones, prepare your lawn, and ensure your trees and shrubs are pruned and ready for winter.
Understanding USDA Zones in Western Washington
Western Washington falls primarily within USDA hardiness zones 7b to 8b, with some coastal areas experiencing milder conditions. This means you have a wide variety of plants to choose from that can thrive in these temperate conditions. The key to a successful fall garden is selecting plants that can withstand the wet winters and cool temperatures, while also requiring minimal upkeep.
Take a look at the USDA Hardiness map for more info:
Credit: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Best Plants for Fall Planting in Western Washington
1. Perennials:
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Heuchera (Coral Bells): These evergreen perennials add vibrant color to your garden year-round. They thrive in shade and partial sun, making them perfect for the Pacific Northwest's often cloudy weather.
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Helleborus (Lenten Rose): Another excellent choice for fall planting, these shade-loving plants bloom in late winter or early spring, bringing early color to your garden.
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Sedum (Stonecrop): This low-maintenance succulent is drought-tolerant and adds texture to your garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Shrubs:
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Rhododendrons: A staple in many Pacific Northwest gardens, rhododendrons are hardy and thrive in the region's acidic soils. Planting in fall gives them time to establish roots before the spring bloom.
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Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda): This evergreen shrub provides year-round interest with its glossy leaves and early spring flowers. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
3. Groundcovers:
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Vinca minor (Periwinkle): This low-growing groundcover is perfect for filling in bare spots. It’s evergreen, drought-tolerant, and thrives in shady areas.
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Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed): Another excellent groundcover, Ajuga is known for its vibrant foliage and ability to thrive in both sun and shade. It’s also low-maintenance and spreads quickly.
Best Times to Plant in September
September is a crucial month for fall planting in western Washington. The soil is still warm from the summer months, which encourages strong root development, while the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on new plants. Here’s a guide to the best planting times during September:
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Early September: Start planting perennials, shrubs, and groundcovers. Early planting gives them enough time to establish roots before the first frost.
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Mid-September: This is an ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. They need time to chill in the ground before sprouting in spring.
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Late September: Focus on cool-season vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested well into the fall.
Planting during these times ensures your garden has the best chance to thrive in the coming months. Check out this popular video on how to plant bulbs in your garden:
Credit: Garden Answer (YouTube) https://youtu.be/g4yILYXgCfw?si=SHAfWLixSZKBQoko
Prepping Your Lawn for Fall
Fall is the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a healthy, lush lawn come spring:
1. Aeration:
Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting deep root growth. In western Washington, where heavy rains can lead to compacted soil, this is especially important.
2. Overseeding:
Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in thin areas. Choose a blend of grasses suited to your region, such as a mix of perennial ryegrass and fine fescue, which thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall.
3. Fertilizing:
Apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early fall to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive winter and bounce back in spring.
4. Leaf Management:
While fall foliage is beautiful, leaving too many leaves on your lawn can smother the grass and create a breeding ground for pests and diseases. Rake or mulch the leaves regularly to keep your lawn healthy.
Want to learn about green waste displosal or home composting? Check out the Thurston County Master Recycler Composting Program and Washington State University's resources: https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/mc/
Pruning Bushes and Trees
Fall is also an excellent time to prune some trees, shrubs, and perrenials. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, promotes healthy growth, and shapes the plant for optimal health.
1. Timing:
In western Washington, it's best to prune after the first frost but before the heavy winter rains begin. This timing allows plants to heal quickly and reduces the risk of disease. However, some plants should be pruned in the fall. For a list of perenials, check out this helpful blog.
2. Technique:
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For shrubs, focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Always cut back to a healthy bud or branch to encourage new growth.
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For trees, remove any branches that are dead, diseased, or growing at awkward angles. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts.
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For Perennials: Cut back spent flowers and dead foliage to tidy up the plant and prevent disease. Some perennials, like hostas and daylilies, benefit from cutting back to the ground, while others, like ornamental grasses, can be left standing for winter interest and pruned in early spring.
3. Mulching:
After pruning, apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Check out the video below for a general guide on how to prune:
Final Thoughts
Fall gardening in western Washington is all about preparation. By selecting the right plants, giving your lawn the care it needs, and properly pruning your trees and shrubs, you'll set the stage for a vibrant and low-maintenance garden next year. Enjoy the process, and look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor in the seasons to come!
Interested in some more home mainenance help? Check out our blog on Approachable Yard Care, or click one of our many informational pieces below.
Looking for some professional help with yard projects? Your Realty ONE Group Bold broker can help give you tips on what maintenance items can provide the greatest benefit, and connect you to reputable contractors in the area for project specific quotes.
