The Best Time to Plant in the Lowcountry
Why Fall Is the Perfect Season to Plant
Ask any seasoned gardener or landscape professional in the Lowcountry, and they’ll tell you the same thing — fall is the best time to plant.
While most people think of spring as “planting season,” our warm coastal climate gives us a unique advantage. Cooler air temperatures paired with warm soil create the ideal environment for strong root growth. Plants can focus their energy below the surface, developing healthy roots before the heat of next summer.
By planting trees, shrubs, and perennials in the fall, you’re giving them months to establish and adapt — which means they’ll handle next year’s heat and drought much better.
Lowcountry Garden Tips for Fall Planting
Here are a few quick tips from our team to help your plants thrive this season:
🌱 Start with healthy soil. Mix in compost or planting mix to enrich Lowcountry sandy soils and improve water retention.
💧 Water deeply, but less often. Encourage roots to grow downward by giving them a good soak a few times a week rather than frequent, shallow watering.
🌤️ Plant during cooler parts of the day. Early morning or late afternoon are best for transplanting trees and shrubs.
🌳 Mulch to maintain moisture. Add 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of new plantings to protect roots and reduce weeds.
Top Picks for Fall Planting — Available Now at Our Garden Center
Our Garden Center in Summerville is fully stocked with locally grown trees, shrubs, and perennials ready for fall planting. A few staff favorites:
Natchez Crape Myrtles – Known for their smooth bark and long-lasting white blooms.
Sweet Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – The signature pink wispy grass of the Lowcountry, now $18 for 3-gallon plants!
Evergreen Shrubs – Perfect for foundation plantings and year-round color.
Seasonal Color – Fresh pansies, mums, and ornamental kale add instant fall charm.
Native Trees – Oaks, magnolias, and hollies that thrive in our coastal climate.
Plant Now. Enjoy It All Year.
Fall is nature’s invitation to dig in and get your hands dirty. Whether you’re adding a new tree line, refreshing garden beds, or starting a backyard transformation, the season is on your side.
Stop by Matthew Ward Landscapes Garden Center in Summerville to browse our latest arrivals, get personalized planting advice, and take advantage of local delivery for trees, soil, mulch, and rock.
