Q. What is frost heaving, and what can I do about it? My recently planted perennials are popping out of the ground.
A. Our long, mild autumns often create a false sense of security in local gardeners. There is an almost irresistible urge to purchase a few perennials late in the season. Your garden is now suffering from that impulsive buy.
Fall is a great time to plant shrubs and trees, but it is sometimes problematical for perennials. The pros and cons must be carefully considered and precautions taken when planting smaller plants in late fall in our climate. We have warm temperatures often into December, but the soil has begun to cool down.
Perennials in 4-inch pots, or even well-rooted, one-gallon plants, may not grow roots in rapidly cooling temperatures. So while you plant it, the plant may not produce anchoring roots until late February or March.
So, we have a small plant, with a dense root mass, not anchored as the soil freezes and thaws. This forces the lump of roots and your plant out of the ground, and your plant may dry up before you can save it.