With the arrival of fall, most gardening enthusiasts are getting ready for their annual break from the hobby for the winter. But before you hang up your gardening gloves, have you planned for spring yet?
Consider adding these five types of plants before the winter frost arrives. If you do, you’ll have an extra-beautiful spring bloom in your garden come springtime.
Trees
Have you considered that you can get more than shade from trees? Why not take the opportunity to plant fall fruit trees? If your yard has the space, you could be enjoying the literal fruits of your labor year after year. Try growing an apricot, plum, or peach tree to see them carry fruit in the spring.
Of course, flowering fruit trees are not only beautiful but also provide a fun way to incorporate more healthy foods into your diet. Fruit is a great weight-loss food because it contains fiber, water, and vitamins alongside that natural sugar that motivates even the pickiest eaters to indulge.
Root veggies
Root vegetables might not be the prettiest type of plant, but fall is a great time to plant them. You’ll certainly enjoy them and their warm and inviting colors down the road when you’re adding them to your dishes. Beets, carrots, turnips, and radishes do better if planted in the fall.
It may be good for you to also know that you can grow veggies like these in almost any USDA hardiness zone. Colder northern climates aren’t too harsh for most root vegetables. However, ensure that you research your plant variety’s specific needs and how deep you should plant them in your particular zone, as well as soil requirements.
Herbs
Herbs can offer gardeners the best of both worlds: they’re pretty and functional to incorporate into your meals. For example, sage, mint, or thyme are all perennial herbs that you can enjoy as you watch them grow and take advantage of their unique flavors in your cooking.
Perennial flowers
Don’t forget flowers like pansies, violas, or coneflowers as you plan for your springtime lawn. These are all hardy perennials that will return as it starts to warm up again in the spring.
If you’ve only recently discovered gardening as a new healthy hobby, you can consider planting perennials, as they are a long-term investment and should keep you motivated.
Spring bulbs
The ideal time to plant spring bulbs is in the fall, even though they won’t be blooming yet. It’s best to look for critter-resistant spring bulbs to save yourself the disappointment if rabbits or deer enjoy foraging through your yard or garden.
Some excellent and beautiful bulb candidates are daffodils, hyacinths, or bluebells.
Before you go
If you plan it right, the change in seasons doesn’t need to leave your yard entirely barren. Instead, you can make your spring even brighter with a little extra effort this fall. Whether you opt for flowers, food, or the great in-between herbs, you’ll reap the benefits of what you sow.
