Planting native species is one of the best things you can do for local wildlife and the environment. While the idea of gardening often brings to mind springtime blooms, fall is actually a great time to plant. David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, shared some valuable tips on this topic during a recent live stream.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation. 🍂
Many people are surprised to learn that fall is an ideal time for planting. The key reason is dormancy. In the fall, plants begin to slow down their growth, and deciduous plants drop their leaves. This means they're not actively photosynthesizing or using a lot of water.
When you plant in the fall, you eliminate the risk of transplant shock, which is often caused by a new plant losing moisture through its leaves faster than its roots can absorb it. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in the fall allow the plant's root system to get established without the stress of a hot, dry summer. By the time spring arrives, your plants are ready to flourish, and you don't have to do a lot of extra work.
The monarch butterfly population has been in a steep decline, largely due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Planting native milkweed is crucial because it's the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat. While it's exciting to see monarchs immediately, David Mizejewski encourages gardeners to have faith and play the "long game." Even if you don't see monarchs right away, your efforts are vital. If enough people plant milkweed and other native nectar sources, the monarch population will have the habitat it needs to recover.
It's also important to be mindful of pesticides, as they can kill beneficial insects, including monarchs and their caterpillars. Instead of using chemicals to deal with pests like aphids on milkweed, consider simply rinsing them off with water or even just leaving them be—they'll often attract natural predators like ladybugs.
Some native plants are more impactful than others when it comes to supporting biodiversity. These are known as keystone species. They support a large number of other wildlife species by providing food and habitat.
Oaks (Quercus genus): Oak trees are one of the most powerful keystone species. They produce acorns for mammals and birds, but more importantly, their leaves are a host plant for the caterpillars of over 500 species of moths and butterflies.
Goldenrods (Solidago genus): Goldenrods are a top keystone herbaceous plant, providing nectar and pollen for countless native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The best way to find keystone plants for your area is to use resources like the National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder, where you can enter your zip code to get a list of plants native to your specific ecosystem.
Even with native plants, which are generally low-maintenance, it's easy to make mistakes. Here's how to avoid some of the most common ones:
Overwatering: Native plants are accustomed to local rainfall patterns and generally don't need as much water as non-native ornamentals. Stick your finger a few inches into the soil to check for moisture before you water. If it's still moist, you don't need to add more water.
Reading the plant: If a plant's leaves are yellowing or falling off, it could be a sign of too much or too little water, sunlight, or nutrients. Observe your plant and its environment to figure out what it needs.
Improper mulching: Too much mulch, especially for young plants, can smother them and prevent proper airflow. When mulching, ensure the plant's crown is slightly above the mulch level.
When it comes to native plants, the best fall maintenance is to simply do nothing. This goes against conventional gardening advice but is crucial for supporting wildlife.
Leave the stems: Don't cut back the stems of your herbaceous plants in the fall. They are full of seeds that provide food for birds and other animals throughout the winter. Many native bees also lay their eggs in the hollow stems.
Leave the leaves: Your fallen leaves are not waste; they are critical habitat. They provide insulation for hibernating animals and are where a huge percentage of moths overwinter as caterpillars or pupae. Leaving your leaves on your property and using them as a natural mulch in your garden beds helps wildlife, enriches your soil, and keeps organic matter out of landfills.
By following these simple practices, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance habitat right in your own yard. It's a small action that can have a huge, positive impact on local ecosystems.
Are you ready to add some native plants to your garden this fall? Find the right plants for the right place at gardenforwildlife.com!