Shreveport Residents: Embrace the Beauty of Fall Gardening!
As the sun starts setting a little earlier and the cool breezes sweep through Shreveport, you might be tempted to hang up your gardening tools and call it a season. But wait! Enter Julie Rogers, the enthusiastic head horticulturalist at Akins Nursery, who insists that fall is the perfect time to keep your garden thriving and vibrant.
Fall Faves: What to Plant Now
According to Rogers, you can’t go wrong with adding mums, marigolds, and snapdragons to your garden this fall. “We’re lucky, since it is a relatively mild climate,” she shares with a warm smile. Even as temperatures drop, these flowers can bring a burst of color that can brighten any dreary day. In fact, you’ll see so many gorgeous blooms all winter long, making your garden a feast for the eyes.
Feeling like something a little more vibrant? Rogers has a secret: petunias tend to thrive far better in fall compared to spring. “They’ll look better now than they will in spring because when it gets hot, they’ll cook,” she explains. So, if you want your garden to shine, consider planting these lovely blooms right now!
Keep Those Greens Coming
Don’t forget about planting leafy vegetables and herbs! If you love the taste of fresh produce, now’s the time to sprinkle some cilantro, dill, and lavender in your garden. These hardy herbs can provide fresh flavor for your dishes and keep your garden looking lush throughout the coming months.
Fall Planting Benefits
Rogers pointed out that it’s also an excellent time for perennial plants or seeds. This is your chance to sow seeds and see them flourish during the fall. “You’ve got all fall to appreciate them,” she says. Plus, the wildlife appreciates it too! “You have pollinators, animals, and bees all hanging out here all winter—you got to feed them,” she adds with a wink.
Tree Time: A Great Fall Investment
Now, if you’re thinking about adding something more substantial to your yard, like trees, fall is absolutely the right time to do it. Planting trees now allows them to establish their roots before the hot spring days arrive. According to Akins’ resident tree expert, the red- or flame-maple trees are a fantastic choice, as they provide vibrant color nearly all year long. “The foliage is simply gorgeous!” they add excitedly.
Gardening Tips for a Thriving Fall
As we get into fall, Rogers reminds us of one important gardening task: deadheading. It’s simple and effective! If you notice any dead blooms, pop them off. By doing this, you’re encouraging more blooms to come through. “You pick them off, and you’ll be rewarded with more flowers,” Rogers advises enthusiastically.
Get Ready to Enjoy Your Garden
So whether you are a gardening novice or a seasoned pro, there’s no reason to hang up your gardening hat just yet. Shreveport’s lovely fall climate offers a unique opportunity to keep your garden vibrant and alive, keeping your spirits high until spring arrives. With a little care and the right choices, you’ll have a flourishing garden that pays off throughout the colder months!
There you have it, folks! Time to embrace fall gardening in Shreveport and make the most of this beautiful season. Happy planting!
