Springtime is often associated with planting and flowers, whereas autumn is synonymous with harvest. This is especially true in the Skagit Valley, where April tulips and fall gourds are major attractions.
Contrary to expectations, however, fall is the best time to get many species in the ground. With a bit of foresight, home gardeners can gain a substantial headstart on growth for the next year.
To learn more about fall gardens, I visited Christianson’s Nursery in Skagit Valley. Owners John and Toni Christianson have operated the nursery as a family business for 34 years (though it has existed since 1946). Over the decades, the Christiansons turned a seasonal wholesale nursery into a year-round, 85-acre retail business. Their love for the business and its plants is infectious — and the scope of their offerings is almost overwhelming.
The nursery now boasts a weekly farmers market through October, farm animals, classes and even a wedding venue — all while offering some of the best plants in the area. Spring is Christianson’s busiest season, but John is a big proponent of fall gardening, pointing out that now is the best time to plant hearty outdoor friends.
Plant now, enjoy later
John explained how many perennial plants grow dormant in the fall, but their roots continue to grow and establish themselves in anticipation of winter. By the time spring arrives, they will “really take off instead of having to be nursed for the first year.” Gardeners might see an additional year’s worth of growth compared to plants put in the ground during spring.
A Christianson’s staff member added how this effect is apparent in deciduous plants like blueberries, many of which are native to higher elevations. They have shorter seasons and thus store energy to focus on spring growth. Other hardy winter varieties include vine maple, which are also native to the mountains and go dormant in the winter to conserve energy.
As an added factor, plants put in the ground during spring might struggle through their first summer as heat can dry their roots. Those planted in autumn, however, require very little: “Maybe water at once, and you can walk away until they start to flower … you’ve got six or seven or eight months of not having to do a thing,” John said.
For gardeners who want low effort and instant gratification, John also recommends bulbs. He’s a fan of snowdrops, which flower in January, and narcissus, which comes to life in March.
“You dig the hole, drop them in the ground … The next thing you know, they’re starting to flower in late winter or spring,” he said.
Finally, fall is the time to plant cool-season edibles like broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, peas, cauliflower and more. These plants can be grown into winter with the help of row covers or hoop houses.
Early winter preparations
But while autumn is ideal for planting, it’s also the cue to begin readying your garden for winter. Christianson’s staff members recommend timing harvests for early in the season because, as the adage goes, “cold brings mold.” Simultaneously, it’s imperative to bring sun-loving plants like citrus and eucalyptus into a properly heated space before nights become chilly.
If you are cultivating winter crops, make sure they have access to adequate drainage. Cover crops like grasses and legumes can also protect from rain and erosion, improve soil health and suppress weeds.
For additional garden guidance, Christianson’s offers classes in its original 1888 old-room schoolhouse. The family moved it from a property across the river and placed it adjacent to one of their greenhouses. They lovingly maintain the schoolroom and offer gardening classes, surrounded by vibrant blooms of their own — not just for atmospheric effect, but to “inspire people to consider planting roses and perennials.”
“Flowers and plants make people happy, but also they’re healthy for climate change … The benefits are considerable, and the cost is rather low,” John said. “Plants are quite inexpensive for what you’re gaining.”
Info: christiansonsnursery.com.
