Winter Garden Prep
As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and the air turns crisp, it's time to shift our focus to garden preparation for the colder months. Whether you’re tending to perennials, shrubs, trees, or vegetable gardens, there are essential tips to help ensure your plants thrive all winter long.
Hydration is Key
Even as temperatures drop, it’s crucial to continue watering your perennials, trees, and shrubs until the ground is frozen. Hydration is key for these plants to build resilience against winter stress. Consistent watering encourages strong root systems, ensuring they are well-prepared for the chill ahead.
Mulching
Keep your plants cozy + insulated! Mulching is a fantastic way to insulate your garden. Whether you choose to mulch in the fall or spring, it’s easy to do and offers a range of benefits. We have both bagged and bulk mulch available to help cover landscape beds, trees, and shrubs. If you notice that your mulch layer is thin this season, consider top dressing your mulch. A thicker layer helps eliminate the freeze-thaw cycles that can damage roots and soil structure.
Pruning and Cutting Back
Fall is a great time to cut back certain perennials, helping to prepare them for a healthier spring. Whether you choose to do this in the fall or wait until spring, trimming back can encourage new growth and keep your garden looking tidy.
October is the ideal time to trim varieties such as hydrangeas, ninebark, and other varieties that bloom in the summer or fall. Be mindful, however, to avoid trimming azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilacs in the fall, as they set their buds for next season during this time.
Clearing Out Vegetable Gardens
When it comes to your vegetable garden, it's essential to completely clear out any old plant debris. This helps prevent pests and diseases from lingering over the winter. After cleaning, add a layer of untreated leaves or grass clippings to enrich your soil with organic matter. It’s best not to till the soil at this time of year, as it can disrupt beneficial microorganisms.
Fall Bulb Planting
As you clean up your perennials, make room to plant fall bulbs like tulips and garlic! Remove any remaining plant debris to create a tidy planting area. A fresh layer of mulch over your bulbs will provide insulation and help retain moisture through the colder months. Plant your fall flower bulbs now and enjoy a beautiful, colorful garden in the spring!
Fall Tree Plantings
There are so many advantages to planting your trees in the fall! Not only can you save on trees at Down to Earth during our fall sales, you also can benefit from the seasonal shift! Planting in the fall allows for your tree to take full advantage of all the moisture brought on by the spring thaw. This (and other factors) can allow your tree to be a “season ahead” and more mature than if you were to plant in the spring.
Edging Your Beds
Fall is also a fantastic time to re-edge your garden beds. Clean up the edges to create a crisp, defined look that enhances your landscape's overall appeal. A well-maintained edge not only looks great but also helps prevent grass and weeds from encroaching on your garden beds.
Stock Up on Garden Essentials
To help with all these tasks, don’t forget to visit our garden shop! We have a selection of pruners, gloves, kneelers, and mulch to make your gardening experience more enjoyable and efficient.With a little effort now, you can set the stage for a beautiful and healthy garden next spring!