Why is Fall for Planting in Albuquerque

Don't just do it. Do it RIGHT!

As monsoon rains drench Albuquerque, we at Jericho Nursery are gearing up for fall, the prime season for planting trees and shrubs in the high desert. Cooler days, humid air, and soil conditions that encourage root growth make autumn ideal for giving plants a head start. Here’s why fall planting sets your landscape up for success and how to do it right. Fall’s cooler temperatures reduce stress on new plants, while monsoon humidity slows transpiration—water loss through leaves. Roots in Albuquerque grow year-round, so planting now gives trees and shrubs a six-month head start over spring. You’ll dodge harsh spring winds and summer heat, letting plants establish strong roots during winter’s dormancy. To plant smart, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix the native soil with compost or peat moss-based potting soil at a 50-50 ratio. This transitional mix is key for trees, whose roots spread as wide underground as their canopies above. Too much compost—beyond 50-50—can trap roots within the planting hole, as they resist crossing into native sand (west side), clay (valley), or decomposed granite (heights). Save some native soil to build a ring around the tree’s base to hold water. Extra compost makes great mulch (top dressing), spread two to three inches thick, boosting soil microbes without overdoing it. If planting a shrub, for example one that will grow to an expected diameter of 3 feet, you can dig a 3 foot hole and entirely use a soil/compost mixture without worrying about the transition, as the roots won’t encounter the barrier. Just set aside some soil for the “bowl” to retain water.

It's a great time to add some rain barrels!