On Martha’s Vineyard, most folks think spring is the season for planting. Garden centers buzz, the air warms, and it feels like the right moment to dig in. But here’s a little Vineyard gardening secret: fall may actually be the best time to put native plants in the ground.
Our Island’s mild autumns make planting easy. The soil is still warm from summer, but the air has cooled enough that plants aren’t stressed. Instead of fussing with flowers or new leaves, they’re sending their energy underground and building strong root systems. Those roots are the real key to long-term success. By the time spring rolls around, a fall-planted shrub or perennial is already settled in and ready to grow with gusto.
The season also helps us with watering. Summers here can be dry and unpredictable. For a perfect example, look back at the past few rain-starved weeks. But fall often brings steadier rains. That means less work for you and a better start for your plants. Add in the fact that weeds and pests are slowing down, and you’ve got a great recipe for giving your natives a stress-free head start.
So what should you be planting? For damp corners of the yard, swamp rose mallow and sweet pepperbush are Vineyard naturals. In sandy spots, try little bluestem grass, bayberry, or seaside goldenrod. Oaks, red maples, and black cherry trees are great fall choices if you’re looking to plant for the long haul. These are species that know how to thrive in our local soils and coastal winds.
Getting them into the ground is simple: dig a wide hole, set the crown level with the soil, water deeply, and mulch with leaves (which we advise you to leave on your landscape) or straw to keep moisture in. Plant in groupings of the same species (for more on this subject of grouping, read my Better Together blog post), and if you can, aim to plant from late September up to late October so roots have time to take hold before any November’s frosts.
Planting natives in the fall feels different than in spring. We have left the frantic summer behind us, we have slowed down and a little bit of mindful planting brings us into rhythm with the season. The air is cooler, the mosquitoes are mostly gone, and there’s a sense of putting the garden to bed while quietly planning for next year. Come spring, you’ll be glad you took the time. Your plants will be stronger, your yard more alive, and the Island’s pollinators and birds will thank you for it.
If you would like to learn more about ways to make your yard more resilient and biodiverse, Natural Neighbors can help you. Find out more about our program by clicking HERE , and while you are there, sign up for a visit, and we will come by to help get you started on your journey! We will share our knowledge and resources at no cost to you and find many other ways for you to support biodiversity in your yard.
Lastly, if you have read this far, you have earned a special treat by taking advantage of our Native Plant Sale! This fall we are offering a diverse range of “MV Wild Type” native plants grown here on Martha‘s Vineyard by the Polly Hill Arboretum. Create steppingstones of habitat with our custom plant packs! Each pack includes 25 plugs of four to five species, selected to thrive in specific soil, sun, and moisture conditions. For more details and to make a purchase, click HERE.
