During my time as an employee at a garden center, I've answered lots of questions from would-be gardeners, anxious to solve their plant problems. I've learned to ask lots of questions to get a good idea of the issue, before meting out advice. One customer had a fruit tree that wasn't doing very well. During the course of my usual interrogation, it came out that she had purchased the tree in the spring, but had left it in the pot all summer because she read that it was best to plant in the fall. After I got over my initial shock and was able to speak coherently, I gave what advice I could and wished her well. This was a perfect example of a truism being decontectualized and totally misunderstood, because it wasn't fully explained.
Is it best to plant in fall? Yes, generally it is, for various reasons. Cool, moist conditions mean less stress for the plant, and less watering for the human. Parts above the soil surface will soon die back or go dormant, allowing the plant to put all available energy into simply growing roots and adjusting to its new environment. Though fall is best, spring planting is a close second.
Often the time to plant is determined by the type of plant you are dealing with. Large, balled and burlapped trees need to be planted in fall, or even winter, when they are dormant. They simply can't develop small roots fast enough to serve water and nutrient needs if planted when leafed out. Bare root trees or shrubs need to be planted within a few days of receiving them. Usually they are available in spring.
Most plants purchased these days are in pots. Such plants can be planted at any time, though winter planting is not advisable in cold climates. Fall planting is easiest, for reasons explained above. Spring planting is fine, as long as water needs are met if the weather turns hot and dry. Summer planting, though it can be stressful to the plant, is far better than letting a plant languish in a pot until fall. Waiting until fall results in an entire season of growth lost, a more root bound plant, and daily watering for the human involved.
Figuring out when to plant is not rocket science. It's straightforward once you understand the various ways plants are packaged for sale, and the rudiments of plant needs. One problem with plants purchased in pots is they are often root bound. After removing the plant from the pot, don't be afraid to make vertical cuts about an inch deep down the sides of the root mass to encourage healthy rooting. I make a cut at each compass point and often slice a few inches off the bottom of the root ball if the roots are too thick. A soil knife, or hori hori, works well, but old steak knives are fine for this job also. Plant so the soil surface of the potted plant matches that of the planting site, not deeper or raised up, unless research or experience dictates there is a reason to do so.
The old adage tells us that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time is today. For me, the best time to plant anything is usually right now. Experience is the best teacher, so just start planting. Experiment with plants on sale, cheap plants from garden club sales, or free plants from giveaways and swaps. Don't let your plants languish in pots while you wait for a better time to plant.
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