What to Plant in the Fall for a Beautiful Spring

As the weather cools and leaves start to fall, it might seem like garden season is ending — but in reality, fall is one of the best times to plant in Metro Atlanta.

With warm soil, cooler air, and steady rainfall, autumn offers the perfect environment for strong root growth.

The effort you put in now will reward you with lush blooms, healthy lawns, and vibrant color when spring returns.

At LawnMart, we know what thrives in Georgia’s unique climate — here’s your guide to what to plant this fall for a stunning spring garden.

1.

Spring-Blooming Bulbs 🌷

Fall is prime time for planting bulbs that burst into color as soon as winter ends.

Best Bulbs for Metro ATL Gardens:

Tulips: Classic spring color in every hue imaginable.

Daffodils: Reliable, deer-resistant, and perfect for naturalizing.

Hyacinths: Fragrant, vibrant blooms that pair beautifully with tulips.

Crocuses: Among the first to bloom, often peeking through late-winter frost.

Planting Tips:

Plant bulbs before the first frost, usually by mid-November in Metro Atlanta.

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot — bulbs dislike soggy soil.

Plant bulbs 2–3 times deeper than their height, with the pointed end up.

Add a sprinkle of bulb fertilizer or bone meal for strong root development.

🌼 LawnMart tip: Use our Georgia Garden Bulb Mix and organic starter fertilizer to boost early root growth and bigger spring blooms.

2.

Cool-Season Annuals 🌸

Want instant color that lasts through winter and into spring? Cool-season annuals are your go-to.

Top Picks for Metro ATL:

Pansies: Hardy, colorful, and long-lasting through frost.

Violas: Smaller than pansies but bloom even longer.

Snapdragons: Add height and structure to your flower beds.

Dusty Miller: Silvery foliage that complements bright blossoms.

🌿 Pro tip: Mix colors like deep purple pansies and yellow violas for eye-catching contrast.

💧 Keep them watered and fertilized lightly throughout the winter for non-stop color until May.

3.

Perennials for Long-Term Beauty 🌾

Fall is also the perfect time to establish perennials that will return year after year.

The cooler weather gives them time to root deeply before the summer heat.

Best Perennials to Plant in Fall:

Coreopsis: Cheerful yellow flowers that thrive in Georgia sun.

Black-eyed Susans: Tough, drought-tolerant, and full of color.

Shasta Daisies: Clean white blooms that brighten any border.

Coneflowers (Echinacea): Great for pollinators and low maintenance.

🌻 LawnMart insight: Mix early- and late-blooming perennials for color that lasts from spring through fall.

4.

Trees and Shrubs 🌳

Fall is an ideal time for planting trees and shrubs in Metro Atlanta.

Cooler temps reduce transplant shock, and roots have months to establish before summer stress arrives.

Top Choices:

Azaleas and Camellias: Southern favorites that bloom beautifully in spring.

Dogwoods: A Georgia classic with elegant white or pink flowers.

Japanese Maple: Adds year-round interest with stunning foliage.

Hydrangeas: Plant now for impressive spring and summer blooms.

🌲 LawnMart tip: Add organic compost or soil conditioner when planting to improve drainage and help roots establish in our Georgia clay.

5.

Lawns and Groundcovers 🌱

If your lawn struggled this summer, fall is the time to fix it.

Overseeding, fertilizing, and sodding in autumn sets you up for a thick, healthy yard come spring.

Best Grasses for Metro ATL Fall Planting:

Tall Fescue: Ideal for Georgia’s transitional climate — lush and green all winter.

Ryegrass: Great for overseeding and quick germination.

Zoysia sod: Can still be installed in early fall while soil remains warm.

🌿 LawnMart product pick: Try our Georgia Fescue Seed Blend and Fall Lawn Starter Fertilizer for easy success.

6.

Herbs and Edibles 🌾

Fall isn’t just for flowers — it’s a great season to grow cool-weather herbs and vegetables that will keep producing into early spring.

Great Options for Georgia Gardens:

Lettuce, kale, and spinach for quick harvests.

Parsley, cilantro, and chives for hardy herbs.

Strawberries: Plant in fall for an early spring crop.

🌱 LawnMart bonus tip: Use raised beds or containers with quality soil for best results and easy maintenance.

Plan Now, Bloom Later 🌸

Planting in fall is one of the smartest moves you can make for a more beautiful spring.

Whether you’re dreaming of colorful flower beds, a lush green lawn, or a thriving veggie patch, LawnMart Metro ATL has everything you need — from soil and seeds to tools and expert advice.

🌼 We offer:

Metro Atlanta delivery on bulbs, soil, and compost

Fall planting kits and seasonal fertilizers

Expert recommendations for local growing conditions

🍁 Visit LawnMart.com or stop by your Metro ATL LawnMart location to get your garden growing — and get ready for a spring that starts blooming early!