As the days grow shorter and the vibrant colors of autumn begin to paint the landscape, many gardeners may be tempted to think that the growing season is coming to an end. However, for those of us in the Inland Northwest, fall is not just a time of harvest but also the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a thriving garden or landscape in the coming year.
A Dryland Revival Planting/Irrigating Day, October 2023
Planting in the fall offers several distinct advantages over spring planting, particularly in regions like Spokane, where the climate can be challenging due to its hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Here’s why fall is the ideal time to plant:
1. COOLER TEMPERATURES REDUCE TRANSPLANT SHOCK
One of the biggest challenges of planting is the risk of transplant shock, where newly installed trees and plants struggle to establish themselves. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common here in Spokane is our intense summer heat. Fall, with its cooler temperatures, provides a more hospitable environment. The reduced heat stress allows plants to focus on establishing their root systems rather than just surviving. This gives plants the opportunity to take full advantage of the fall weather as well as springtime to grow healthy roots and settle in before the summer.
2. OPTIMAL SOIL CONDITIONS FOR ROOT DEVELOPMENT
In the fall, soil temperatures are still warm from the summer, even as the air cools down. This creates ideal conditions for root growth. When you plant in the fall, roots have a chance to grow deep into the soil, establishing a strong foundation before winter. This deep root growth is essential for drought tolerance and overall plant health, especially in areas like Spokane where summers can be dry and water resources are precious.
3. NATURAL MOISTURE FROM AUTUMN RAINFALL
Another key benefit of fall planting is the natural increase in moisture from autumn rains. In Spokane, where summer droughts are the standard, fall rains provide a welcome respite. This natural watering helps newly planted trees and shrubs establish themselves without the need for constant irrigation, making it easier to maintain your garden or landscape and reducing water usage (with that being said, we always recommend supplemental irrigation for newly installed trees, shrubs, and other native plants as they get established in a landscape).
4. EXTENDED GROWING SEASON FOR ROOTS
While the visible parts of your plants may slow down in the fall, the roots continue to grow. Fall planting gives your plants several months to develop a robust root system before the ground freezes. When spring arrives, these well-established roots will allow your plants to take off quickly and vigorously, with a head start over plants that were planted in the spring.
5. LESS COMPETITION FROM WEEDS
By planting in the fall, you avoid much of the weed pressure that can make spring planting a challenge. Many weeds begin to die back as the temperatures drop, giving your new plants the space they need to establish themselves without competition. This not only reduces the amount of weeding you’ll need to do the following year, but also helps your plants get off to a strong start.
6. ALIGNMENT WITH NATURE'S CYCLES
Fall planting aligns with the natural cycles of the Inland Northwest’s ecosystem. Many native plants are adapted to fall planting, as this is when seeds naturally fall to the ground and begin to establish themselves. The days are still long at this point, but they will rapidly start getting shorter. By planting early in the fall, you can align with the natural rhythms of the environment to give establishing plants in your yard as much sun as possible while the temperature starts to cool.
A Dryland Revival Landscape Technician posing with a newly planted Canada Red Chokecherry, August 20, 2024
Recommended Native Plants for Fall Planting in Spokane
Here are some native plants that are well-suited for fall planting in Spokane, Washington:
Native Shrubs
Image Credit: Wix
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea): This shrub is known for its striking red stems in winter and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, from wet soils to drier areas. It's excellent for erosion control and provides food and habitat for wildlife.
Image Credit: Wix
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): A hardy shrub that produces clusters of white berries in fall that are loved by birds throughout the winter. Snowberry is drought-tolerant once established and works well in both sun and partial shade.
Native Trees
Ponderosas rising above raised beds and homes in the South Hill, Spokane.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa): The Ponderosa Pine is the dominant conifer species in the Inland Northwest. It's drought-tolerant and adapts well to various soil types. It provides excellent habitat for wildlife and is a symbol of the region.
Image Credit: Wix
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides): Known for its vibrant fall color and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, the Quaking Aspen is a great choice for adding seasonal interest and supporting local ecosystems. Be careful, it likes to spread!
Native Perennial Flowers
Showy Milkweed, Spokane, June, 2024
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): This perennial is crucial for supporting monarch butterflies, as it serves as a host plant for their larvae. It’s also a beautiful addition to gardens, with its pinkish-purple flowers attracting various pollinators. If planted as an established plug in the fall, it typically will flower the next summer.
Blanketflower, Spokane, June 2024
Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata): A resilient and drought-tolerant perennial with vibrant red and yellow flowers, Blanketflower is perfect for adding color to your garden. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, blooming throughout the season.
Native Grasses
Image Credit: Okanagan Xeriscape Association okanaganxeriscape.org/
Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata): This native bunchgrass is a keystone species in many ecosystems. It’s drought-tolerant and helps prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping.
Idaho Fescue, Spokane, 2024
Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis): A fine-textured, drought-tolerant grass that provides excellent ground cover. It’s perfect for creating a natural-looking meadow or adding texture to the edges of your garden.
Order those Plants!
We focus on planting native species because they have the most history with our area and have adapted to thrive in the conditions of our ecoregion. By selecting plants that are well-adapted to the region, you not only create a more resilient landscape but also contribute to local biodiversity and sustainability.
Many plants can be WaterWise and are well-adapted to our region, even if they aren't native here. Some of these can be really beneficial to our local pollinators, too (looking at you coneflower!). On the flip side, if using non-native plants it is important to understand whether or not they pose a risk to our natural areas should they spread (i.e. asking the question: is it invasive?).
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, fall is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and plant the seeds of a thriving, regenerative landscape.
Here are some local retailers we recommend shopping at for all your fall planting needs:
In alphabetical order:
Barn and Blossom Nursery
509-484-3894
4010 E Jamieson Rd, Spokane, WA 99223
Blue Moon Garden & Nursery
509-747-4255
1732 S Inland Empire Way, Spokane, WA 99224
Floralia Nursery
509-724-0223
1013 W Knox Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205
Greenacres Nursery
509-928-1922
5224 N Harvard Road, Otis Orchards, WA 99207
Plants of the Wild (Order Online for delivery!)
(509) 284-2848
123 Stateline Road, Tekoa, WA 99033
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