Fall is one of the best times to plant in Indiana. Cooler air, warmer soil, and more dependable moisture give roots time to settle in before winter, so plants can start strong next spring.
Indiana spans more than one USDA hardiness zone, with conditions varying by location. Use your ZIP code to confirm your local zone, and watch the forecast for your first hard freeze. As a practical rule, aim to finish most planting about four to six weeks before the ground typically freezes in your area.
What to Plant in Fall
Fall is a great season for planting hardy perennials, deciduous shrubs, and many trees. Container-grown plants can be planted while the soil is workable, even after leaves drop, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Browse our perennials for plants that can establish roots now and return next season. For structure and year-round interest, explore our shrubs and evergreen shrubs and trees.
Indiana Fall Planting Calendar
Late August through September
- Plant spring- and summer-flowering perennials while the soil is still warm.
- Plant shrubs and trees early enough for roots to settle before colder weather.
- Water newly planted material deeply, then check soil moisture regularly.
- Keep plants watered during dry spells, especially after a warm, windy week.
October
- Continue planting perennials, shrubs, and trees while the soil remains workable.
- Refresh mulch after planting, keeping it a few inches away from trunks and crowns.
- Remove damaged or diseased foliage, but leave healthy perennial stems when they provide winter habitat or protection.
- Stake only when necessary, so trees develop strong natural movement.
November until the ground freezes
- Finish late-season planting on mild days when the soil can still be worked.
- Give new plants a final deep watering before the ground freezes if conditions are dry.
- Add a light layer of mulch to buffer soil temperature swings.
- Protect tender or newly planted plants according to their care requirements, especially in exposed sites.
How to Plant For a Strong First Winter
- Choose a site with the light and drainage the plant needs. Avoid planting in a low spot where water collects.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with, or slightly above, the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the soil you removed, firming gently to eliminate large air pockets. If you have a heavy clay soil, it may be beneficial to add some compost or other organic material before backfilling.
- Water slowly and deeply after planting.
- Spread about two to three inches of mulch over the root zone, leaving space around stems and trunks.
Fall care reminders
Do not fertilize newly planted trees and shrubs heavily in late fall. Focus on correct planting depth, consistent watering until the ground freezes, and protection from mower or string-trimmer damage. If a plant is marginally hardy for your location, place it in a sheltered site and follow its specific care instructions.
Plan your fall planting
Ready to plant? Start with our perennial collection, then add seasonal structure with shrubs or evergreen shrubs and trees. Shopping for a specific plant? Check out Little Devil™ Ninebark, a compact shrub with rich foliage that brings multi-season interest to the landscape.
For the best results, match each plant to your site, local hardiness zone, and available moisture. A little preparation this fall can mean a much easier spring.