Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Plant Native Plants

At Red Stem, we get this question a lot:“Should I wait until spring to plant?”
Our answer, every time —no need to wait. Fall is actually the perfect time to plant.

Here’s why.

The soil is still warm, even when the air cools down

In fall, the heat of summer lingers underground. That means roots can still grow strong before the freeze. Cooler air keeps stress low, and plants can focus on what matters most — establishing healthy root systems.

By the time spring arrives, your plants are already settled in and ready to burst with new growth.

Fall rains help your plants get established

You won’t need to water as much in fall. Seasonal rains do the work for you, giving new plants a gentle start without the intense heat or drought risk of summer.

Less watering also means less maintenance — something we can all appreciate before winter sets in.

Fall planting helps pollinators too

When you plant native species in fall, you’re setting the stage for pollinators in the year ahead. Come spring, bees, butterflies, and birds will have early blooms waiting for them — a crucial food source after winter scarcity.

Fall planting is one of the simplest ways to support the local ecosystem for seasons to come.

Native plants are built for it

Midwestern nativeslike the cold. In fact, many seeds need a period of winter dormancy — a natural cycle of freezing and thawing — to germinate properly.
 Planting in fall mimics what happens in the wild, helping your garden grow the way nature intended.

A head start for next year

By planting in fall, you’re giving your garden a head start.
Roots grow quietly through the cool months, and when the first warm days return, your plants will be ready to take off — stronger, hardier, and already at home in the soil.

So grab your trowel, dig in, and let your garden rest easy this winter — ready to wake up vibrant and full of life next spring.