Why Fall is the Best Time to Sow Native Plant Seeds

Autumn brings so many delightful moments in the garden. It’s a period of rejuvenation and repose for many of our favorite green things. It also happens to be an ideal time to sow the seeds of native plants. 

Planting natives has seen a resurgence as we become more aware of resources and how to use them wisely. Maintaining an entire garden full of exotic and non-native plants can be much work. It takes a lot of water, fertilizer, and energy! 

Natives don’t need as much attention or additional care, as they evolved to thrive in those conditions without human intervention. They also provide important sources of food for local pollinators and animal populations. 

For several reasons, fall sowing tends to be advantageous over spring planting. The question is why. What is it that makes autumn an ideal time for sowing the seeds of native plants in your garden?

The Long Answer

Fall is an excellent time to sow native plant seeds in your garden for many reasons. The overarching logic is that this time of year provides a combination of factors that reduce stress on your seeds and their development and create conditions for spring germination.

Let’s break it down and specify how this time of year is superior to others for sowing your seeds. 

Weather Conditions Are Ideal

Fall marks the time of year when we see significant changes in the weather. While summer is hot and dry, autumn is typically cool and moist. Increased moisture in the soil, along with cooler air, creates a less stressful environment for germination or dormancy until the spring.

Although the air has begun to cool, the soil is still relatively warm in autumn. Warm, moist soil promotes rapid germination for certain seeds and vigorous root development. Warm soil, cool air, and plenty of rain are ideal for establishing most garden plants. 

If you think about the natural process of plant life cycles, fall planting makes perfect sense. This is the time of year when most native plants naturally self-seed. They drop to the ground and either germinate and establish roots before dormancy, or they lie in wait for the chill and thaw of spring to wake them up.

This means that not all your plants will germinate in the fall. Some will, but others need certain environmental processes to take place first. Either way, the weather in autumn is prime time for sowing them and allowing nature to run its course.

Fewer Disturbances

The combination of weather conditions and natural life cycles creates other planting advantages that explain why it’s best to sow native seeds in the fall. There is less competition because pests, diseases, and weeds all back off during the cooler months. 

As annual weeds begin to die off, the seeds you sow will have less competition for nutrients in the soil. Weeds can really suck up a lot of water and nutrients. Weeds can grow quickly in the summer, overshadowing the things that you want to pop up in those spaces. 

This still rings true for those that germinate in the spring. They sprout earlier than most weeds and grow large enough to out-compete the intruders. This is another great reason to plant those native spring germinators before winter comes. It gives them a head start on the competition. 

Insects have their own life cycles, many of which involve a single yearly generation. Autumn brings a lull for these insects and those that overwinter in the soil or otherwise hibernate. Most pests are inactive over the winter, giving those seeds a chance to do what they need. 

Regarding diseases, there is evidence that certain autumn happenings can reduce the presence of pathogens in an area. For plants that are dormant in winter, this begins after the autumnal equinox. For evergreens, leaf production slows, which also can be linked to a decrease in pathogen growth. Some diseases prefer this weather, though, so don’t let your guard down entirely. 

Natural Cold Stratification

I’ve mentioned a few times now that some native plant seeds you sow in the fall will not germinate until the spring. So why bother planting them now if that’s the case? The answer is cold stratification. 

Some plants require a cycle of freezing and thawing to initiate germination. This is nature’s way of protecting tender annuals from sprouting in the fall and getting knocked out by frost before they establish strong roots. Some seeds have a thick coat that can only be broken through a cold, moist period.

If you didn’t get these in the ground in time, you can cold stratify artificially. For most seeds, cool and moist is the key. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in the refrigerator before planting. Timing of the period varies by species.

Earlier Blooming

Finally, fall sowing leads to earlier flowering in the spring, whether your plants have already germinated and grown roots or are waiting for the thaw to sprout. Fall planting means everything is in place and will spring into action as soon as the weather is right. 

Your plants will get a head start on most others. This means faster growth due to less competition for water and resources. It also means earlier flowering, which is always a good thing!