Fall Native Planting Guide for Maine
Fall is one of the very best times to plant native perennials, shrubs, and trees here in Southern Maine. The soil is still warm from summer, rainfall is more consistent, and cooler temperatures mean less stress on new plants. Plus, fall planting gives roots a head start so they can establish before the next growing season — making your garden healthier and more resilient come spring.
At Whaleback Nursery, we ship and sell many of our native plants bare root during the fall season, when they’re dormant or going dormant. Whether you’re filling in a pollinator bed, adding edible natives, or starting a new landscape, here’s what you need to know about planting natives in autumn.
Why Plant Natives in Fall?
Root growth without heat stress: Cooler air temps reduce evaporation, while warm soil encourages root development.
Less watering: Fall rains help keep soil evenly moist, reducing the need for daily watering.
Earlier blooms next year: Plants installed in fall often leaf out and flower earlier than spring-planted ones.
Better plant survival: Fall-planted natives have a head start against summer drought stress.
Best Native Plants to Plant in Fall
Many native perennials, shrubs, and trees thrive when planted in fall — especially species hardy to our Zone 5b winters. Think pollinator favorites like milkweeds and asters, adaptable shrubs such as bayberry and chokeberry, and edible natives like blueberries and groundnuts. These plants use the cooler months to focus entirely on root development, so they’re stronger and more established by spring.
(Check our current fall plant availability here to see what’s ready to ship or pick up.)
Tips for Successful Fall Planting
1. Plant Early Enough
Aim to plant 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes — here in Southern Maine, that generally means finishing by late October/early November.
2. Prepare Your Site
Remove weeds, loosen soil, and add organic matter if needed. Natives don’t need rich soil, but they do benefit from good drainage and reduced competition.
3. Water Well at Planting
Even in fall, newly planted natives need thorough watering at installation and regular moisture until the ground freezes.
4. Mulch Lightly
Add 2–3 inches of mulch to protect roots, but keep it pulled back from the crown of the plant to prevent rot.
5. Leave the Stems Over Winter
If possible, don’t cut back your native perennials until spring — seed heads provide food for birds, and stems give overwintering habitat for beneficial insects.
...Or Sow Native Seeds
Fall isn’t just for transplanting — it’s also the perfect time to direct sow many native wildflower and grass seeds. In nature, countless native species drop their seeds in late summer or fall, allowing them to rest in the soil over winter before germinating in spring. This seasonal pause is called cold stratification — a process where seeds are exposed to cold, moist conditions for a set period to break dormancy.
By sowing seeds outdoors in fall, you’re letting nature handle the stratification for you. Winter’s freezing and thawing cycles gently wear down the seed coat, while consistent moisture triggers the internal chemical changes needed for germination. Come spring, these seeds sprout in sync with their natural rhythms — often with higher germination rates than if you’d tried to start them indoors without proper chilling.
Good candidates for fall sowing include:
Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
Lupines (Lupinus perennis)
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Many native grasses and meadow species
Seeds require cold stratification to germinate — read this quick article to learn how to accomplish this.
Final Thoughts
Fall is a golden opportunity to get native plants into the ground with minimal stress and maximum success. Whether you’re establishing a meadow, expanding a pollinator garden, or planting a food forest, this season sets your plants up for strong growth in the year ahead.
Ready to start your fall planting? Explore our native plant shop and reserve your favorites while they’re in stock — many species are only available seasonally, and fall is the perfect time to plant them.
