Fall Gardening in Ohio: Best Plants to Grow Now

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in Ohio, many gardeners might think that planting season is coming to an end. However, fall is actually an ideal time to plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials in the Buckeye State. With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, fall planting can help establish plants more effectively than planting in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Fall planting also allows you to take advantage of end-of-season sales at local nurseries and garden centers. Plus, it gives your plants a head start on growth before the stress of summer heat. So, what can you plant in the fall in Ohio? Let's explore some excellent options.

Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs in Ohio. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help newly planted trees and shrubs establish strong root systems before winter.

When choosing trees and shrubs, consider plants that are native to Ohio or well-adapted to the region's climate. These plants will require less water and care once established and will provide habitat and food for local wildlife.

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, are well-suited to Ohio's climate. Some excellent fall planting options include:

• Maple (Acer spp.): Known for their stunning fall color, maples come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small Japanese maples to large sugar maples.
• Oak (Quercus spp.): Oaks provide valuable habitat for wildlife and are a great choice for large trees. Consider planting species like pin oak, red oak, or white oak.
• Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua): Sweetgum trees are known for their star-shaped leaves and brilliant fall color. They are also a great source of food for wildlife.

Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest in the Ohio landscape and are excellent choices for fall planting. Some options to consider include:

• Boxwood (Buxus spp.): Boxwoods are versatile evergreens that can be used to create hedges, borders, or topiaries. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.): These broadleaf evergreens produce showy flowers in the spring and prefer partial shade and acidic soil.
• Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Junipers are low-maintenance evergreens that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Perennials and Bulbs

Fall is also an ideal time to plant perennials and bulbs in Ohio. These plants will benefit from the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, and many will bloom the following spring.

When selecting perennials and bulbs, consider plants that are native to Ohio or well-adapted to the region's climate. These plants will require less water and care once established and will provide habitat and food for local wildlife.

Fall-Blooming Perennials

Fall-blooming perennials can add color and interest to your Ohio garden in the late season. Some excellent options include:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.): Asters come in a variety of colors and provide valuable nectar for pollinators in the fall.
• Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta): These cheerful flowers are native to Ohio and provide nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season.
• Toad Lilies (Tricyrtis spp.): Toad lilies are fall-blooming perennials that produce unique, orchid-like flowers. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

Spring-Blooming Bulbs

Planting bulbs in the fall allows them to establish strong root systems before winter and ensures beautiful spring blooms. Some great options for Ohio include:

• Tulips (Tulipa spp.): Tulips come in a wide variety of colors and are a classic spring bulb. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
• Daffodils (Narcissus spp.): Daffodils are native to Ohio and are a great choice for naturalizing in wooded areas. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Crocus (Crocus spp.): Crocuses are early-blooming bulbs that provide color in the spring. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Fall is an ideal time to plant a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs in Ohio. By taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, you can establish healthy plants that will thrive in the Buckeye State. So, get out there and start planting!