September may still feel like summer in the Coachella Valley, but cooler days are on the way—and that makes now a great time to start planning for fall planting.
Fall is one of the best times to add or replace plants in a desert landscape. As temperatures moderate, newly planted trees, shrubs and groundcovers experience less heat stress, while warm soil allows roots to begin establishing before winter.
A little preparation now can help make your fall planting more successful—and more water-efficient.
Start with the right plant. Choose native and desert-adapted plants that can thrive in our heat and dry conditions. Consider each plant’s mature size, sun exposure and water needs before deciding where it belongs.
Check your soil and drainage. Coachella Valley soils can vary considerably, from fast-draining sand to areas with clay, silt or caliche. Understanding how water moves through your soil can help you select appropriate plants and avoid problems caused by poor drainage.
Plan your irrigation before you plant. Make sure drip lines and emitters will deliver water to the plant’s root zone. Grouping plants with similar water needs on the same irrigation zone can also make it easier to provide each plant with the right amount of water.
Give plants room to grow. That small shrub at the nursery may eventually become several feet wide. Planning for mature plant size can reduce the need for excessive pruning and help create a healthier, more natural-looking landscape.
Wait for cooler weather. Use September to plan, prepare planting areas and select plants, then take advantage of cooler fall temperatures for installation. Newly planted landscapes will need regular irrigation while roots become established, even when using low-water plants.
Fall planting is an opportunity to refresh your landscape while making choices that can reduce water use for years to come. With the right plants in the right places—and an efficient irrigation system to support them—you can create an attractive landscape designed for our desert climate.
