Welcome to early fall planting season! Since this is one of just two prime seasons for planting each year (the other is early spring), it’s important to “plan your plants and plant your plan.” Even a little dirt can require lots of work and cost lots of green, so it’s best for busy women to think ahead.

Planning is especially necessary for those of us with limited space for gardening. No matter what size your home — single-family sprawler or downtown loft — you may have only a small plot (or a big pot!) to create your bed of paradise. As tempting as it is to head to the nearest nursery to load up on flowers and flourishes, it’s vital to give plenty of preliminary thought regarding your patch of Eden. What perennials do you love, and how big will they grow? How much space should you devote to annuals? What will thrive considering the sun exposure? What will enhance your home’s exterior style and architecture?

In addition to considering space limitations, it’s equally important to assess time constraints. I admit I’m a noncommittal gardener. In the past I rushed into demanding gardening relationships, lured by the desire for lush flower beds, only to see the relationships languish as I couldn’t make time to nurture them. Today, I factor in my work and travel schedules to approach gardening realistically. I spend time planning so I’m sure what I’m planting won’t be too, well, needy.
 

Some tips for successful fall planting:

Go home for lunch. This may seem like an odd initial step. However, a basic aspect of gardening is truly knowing your space. That requires awareness of sun exposure throughout the day. We’re often busy on weekends and at the office weekdays. Take a lunch break or two to observe the midday sun at home so you’re not guessing when you purchase plants.

Measure twice, plant once. A tape measure is an important gardening tool, especially when there are potential space constraints. Arm yourself with accurate measurements of the area — width, depth and height — before selecting plants. Think spatially, not only for adequate plant placement but for ample clearances around walls, fencing and overhangs.

Assess how the plot will thicken. Choose plants that will grow on you appropriately. Keep the adage “year one it sleeps, year two it creeps, year three it leaps” in mind when considering the long-term presence of a shrub, tree or vine in your garden. Plants often take two years to establish roots and three to show themselves fully. Seek professional counsel at your garden center as you make selections.

Go native. Good gardening begins by matching the right plant with the right spot. Typically the right plant will be “native,” which means naturally occurring in the geographic area. Natives are hearty to withstand the climate and require less work and water than non-native/exotic plants.

Take advice and a helping hand. If you’re a novice, find a nursery staffed with professionals who will take time to assist you. Come ready to help them help you; bring your budget, measurements, photos and details about sun exposure, and have some creative ideas in mind. Many nurseries offer design consultation and installation services so you don’t have to go it alone.

Contain yourself! Many busy women forego the plot and go straight to the flower pot for their gardening fixes. Container gardening is a manageable alternative (or addition) to traditional gardening. Containers bring bursts of color to unexpected spaces, add height to flower beds and change seasonally for variety. Most garden centers offer custom and pre-potted containers for the ultimate in simple gardening. If you decide to “contain yourself,” be sure to select plants with like needs for each arrangement.