Create a Stunning Winter Porch Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
It is time to embrace the changing season by adding a festive touch to your front porch. A winter porch pot is a great way to keep your home looking lively, even when flowers are out of season! This easy DIY project brings natural beauty to your space and adds a warm welcome for guests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own winter porch pot masterpiece.
1. Fill the Container with Soil
Start by selecting a sturdy pot that can handle the colder winter temperatures like a large plastic or resin planter, which tends to resist cracking in cold weather. Fill your container with fresh potting soil about three-quarters of the way full. This soil base will help anchor the greens and give them stability throughout the season.
2. Water in the Soil
Before adding any greens, give the soil a good watering. Moist soil will freeze in colder weather, which helps secure the branches and keeps them from shifting around. A well-moistened base will also keep the greens hydrated, so they stay fresh and vibrant longer.
3. Trim the Ends of the Greens
Gather your evergreen boughs and other greens, such as spruce, pine, or cedar branches. Trim the ends at a slight angle with sharp pruning shears. This not only helps the greens absorb water more effectively but also makes them easier to insert into the soil.
4. Start with a Spruce Top for Height
Begin by placing your tallest piece, your Spruce Top, in the center of the container. The spruce top will serve as the main focal point and provide height and structure. Make sure it's firmly embedded in the soil, as it will anchor the rest of your arrangement.
5. Fill in with Accent Greens and Other Leafy Foliage
Now that the central piece is in place, add accent greens to fill out the arrangement. Pine, cedar, and juniper are perfect choices because they add texture and depth. Arrange these branches around the spruce top, varying their lengths and layering them to create a full look. Don’t be afraid to mix in other natural elements, like red dogwood, eucalyptus, or magnolia to add dimension and contrast.
6. Decorate with "Bling"
Add decorative elements to personalize your porch pot. Pinecones, berry sprigs, or even ornamental branches with a dusting of glitter can create a festive feel. You might also consider adding holiday-themed ornaments, small LED lights, or ribbon for an extra pop of color and sparkle. These decorative touches bring a winter wonderland look to your pot.
7. Water Your Finished Porch Pot
Finally, give your completed porch pot one last watering. This will help settle everything into place and keep the greens fresh. If the temperature is below freezing, the water will form ice, which will keep the branches anchored and hydrated.
Tips for a Beautiful Winter Porch Pot
Until the pot freezes, keeping the soil moist/watering as needed is necessary to prevent needles from dropping.
Mix Textures: Using a variety of evergreens creates interest and adds a dynamic feel to your pot.
Play with Height: Taller greens in the center and shorter branches along the sides create a balanced look.
Seasonal Bling: Small touches like fairy lights or colorful ornaments are an easy way to add a festive flair.
Be sure to create a wreath to match your beautiful new porch pot!
Don’t forget your Wilt-Stop! This is the perfect product to use to keep your greens hydrated + healthy!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a gorgeous winter porch pot that brightens your entryway all season long. Enjoy your stunning creation, and have fun bringing winter’s beauty to your doorstep!
You Asked, We Answer: Fall Hydrangea Pruning
One of the most common questions we get asked out in the yard in the fall is “What do I do to prepare my Hydrangea for winter?” We are here to take away the guesswork on your Hydrangea care! Below, you will find the information for pruning Panicle Hydrangeas.
To Prune or Not to Prune…
There are many different opinions out there for trimming, including whether you should trim your Hydrangea in the fall or spring. Although both options get the job done, we do recommend pruning in the fall because of our harsh winters. If we receive a heavy snow (which we all know we will!), those large flowers can collect the snow, causing preventable branch breaking. Trim the dried florals off of your bush or tree to help protect it during the harsh winter snow!
Repurposing your flowers: We are all about repurposing! When you trim your hydrangeas, save the dried florals for a beautiful addition to your home decor! Hydrangeas add a beautiful texture and are easy to style!
Shaping
As a rule of thumb, we recommend trimming no more than ⅓ of your plant. This will help encourage it to push new growth in the spring, while still shaping it! For Hydrangea trees, attempt to create a V-Shape design to keep its natural growth pattern. If there is a “leggy” branch, feel free to trim it down close to the base.
Pruners & Disinfectant
Don’t forget to disinfect your pruners! As undesirable as this step may be, it is especially important when you are switching between multiple shrub or tree types to prevent any infection or disease transfer. Grab a bucket of soapy water or rubbing alcohol to dip your pruners in between plant varieties.
The most important tool for your fall pruning IS your pruners! Make sure you have a sharp, high-quality option by picking up a new pair from our Garden Shop! If you have fall pruning questions, our yard staff is happy to help!
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!
Chill Out! ❄️ Frost Protection + Season Extenders!
As the seasons change, it’s important to keep an eye on the nightly temperatures + watch out for snow + frost! Protect your planters, hydrangeas, evergreens, and veggie gardens to prolong harvest time + protect them from the midwest elements!
Burlap
Burlap is a great natural way to protect against frost and safeguard your evergreens and shrubs during harsh Midwest winters!
Great for all-winter evergreen and shrub protection
Protects from heavy snowfalls, salt, and winds
Versatile design
Easy to store
Wilt Stop
Wilt Stop is a must-have product to preserve your cut greens, wreaths, + even your live evergreens!
Prevents winter burn
Reduces moisture loss
Protects needles
Easy to use design
Whether you want to extend the life or your Christmas tree, or protect your live evergreens, this product is for you!
Plant Bells
Protective plastic plant bells are a fantastic way to shield your garden from frost damage! These handy covers trap heat and create a microclimate around your plants, helping to keep them cozy during chilly nights. There are so many benefits:
Easy to use
Reusable
Promotes faster growth
Protects plants from bugs, birds, and pests
With plant bells in your gardening toolkit, you can extend your growing season and ensure your plants thrive even in cooler weather!
Fleece Plant Jackets
Made from soft, breathable material, these jackets provide insulation while allowing moisture and sunlight to penetrate. They are lightweight and easy to slip on and off, ensuring your plants stay cozy during frosty nights without sacrificing their health.
Protects from frost and pests
Green fern-patterned material helps it blend in
Allows sunlight, air, and moisture to filter through
Grow Tunnel
Similar to a mini greenhouse, this option is great for frost protection and enhanced plant growth!
Creates a humid environment (warms soil)
Many sizes available
Accordion-style design (easy to use!)
Easy to store
Our Garden Shop is stocked with the products that will work best in your gardens! Come discover what we have to offer!
Revitalize Your Lawn
The Benefits of Overseeding in the Fall
As the leaves begin to change + the air turns crisp, you might be wondering how to prepare your lawn for the upcoming seasons. One of the best practices to consider is overseeding—an effective way to enhance the health and appearance of your lawn. So, why is fall the ideal time for overseeding?
1. Optimal Soil Temperatures
During fall, soil temperatures are still warm, creating an ideal environment for quick germination. This means that the seeds you spread have a better chance of sprouting and becoming established before the winter chill sets in.
2. Perfect Weather Conditions
The combination of warm days and cooler nights in fall provides a fantastic growing environment for grass.
3. Time for Root Development
One of the key advantages of overseeding in fall is that it gives the new grass plenty of time to establish itself. By the time winter arrives, your newly seeded areas will have developed good roots, setting the stage for a vibrant lawn come spring.
While fall is a great time for overseeding, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather. Fall can often be dry, which may mean your newly seeded areas need extra care. Ensure that the seeds are getting plenty of water to promote healthy growth. This may require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
If your lawn has bare patches or areas that look less than lush, fall overseeding is the perfect opportunity to address these issues. By filling in these gaps, you can create a more uniform and attractive lawn.
Perhaps the most exciting benefit of overseeding in the fall is the payoff you’ll see in spring. By investing a little time now, you can enjoy a thicker, greener lawn when the weather warms up. There’s nothing quite like stepping out onto a lush lawn after the long winter! Prep your lawn by visiting our Garden Shop to find quality grass seed + get started on your lawn care journey!
Cover Crops for Your Garden!
Boost Soil Health + Garden Resilience with These End-of-Season Tips
Are your gardens starting to look a little empty + barren after the fall harvest? It is time to clean out the old vegetation + establish a beautiful cover crop that has many benefits for your soil + future gardens. But first, let’s address the elephant in the room (or garden)…What IS a cover crop?
Planting cover crops is a process used to benefit the soil, rather than planting for harvest. These crops are planted after the growing season or in extra garden spaces that aren’t being used. Some benefits to these types of crops include:
Preventing soil erosion
Building soil’s organic matter
Creating roots that feed the microbes in the soil through winter
Cover crops are available in many varieties depending upon your goal. Winter Rye, Buckwheat, Peas + Oats, and Clover will help improve the soil so your plants thrive year after year!
The best time to plant your cover crops is in the fall after harvest, when your garden beds are cleared up + free of debris. Overwinter these crops in your gardens! Once spring hits, you can till that cover crop right back into the soil! When they are put back into the soil, they decompose + contribute organic matter, enhancing soil structure and fertility.
You don’t need to be an expert gardener to transform your end-of-season garden beds! Pick up the tools + seed from our Down to Earth garden shop to get started! Have more questions? Our expert staff is ready to help!
Moving Your Houseplants Indoors
Creating a Smooth + Pest-Free Season Transition
Your houseplants have basked in the summer’s heat + sun, but winter is just around the corner! Now what? While it might seem as easy as moving them from the porch to their indoor spot, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: protecting them from pests!
When the outside temperature starts consistently dipping below 55 degrees fahrenheit, it’s time to pull your plants indoors. Let’s explore a few options for giving your plants a clean start + find the best fit for you!
Systemic:
Plants soaks this up through their roots. Sprinkle granules or liquid into soil.
Fights wide variety of pests
Helps both fight + prevent infestations
Note: Always read the active ingredient! Some systemics contain imidacloprid, an ingredient that does NOT fight Spider Mites!
Insecticidal Sprays:
Spray right onto foliage to combat any current issues!
Insecticidal Soap + Eight are great options! (available in our P.H.D. at Down to Earth)
Microfiber Gloves:
Perfect for clearing pests off foliage
Easy way to clean + help prevent any large infestations
With the right care and protection, your green friends will stay happy + healthy until spring arrives! Find all these products + the expert help you need when you stop out to Down to Earth!
How to Care for Your Mums
Because They Need More Than Just a Good Coffee and a Compliment!
‘Tis the season for mums, corn stalks, and pumpkins to be beautifully arranged on your front stoop. Unlike the other elements of your decor, however, mums are living plants that require a bit of attention to maintain their beauty throughout the fall.
Overall, Mums do best with part sun exposure, as sunlight helps speed up their bloom cycle, resulting in vibrant flowers. Here’s our secret to success: if you want your mums to bloom faster, place them in full sun. Conversely, if you wish to slow down the blooming process + extend their lifespan, opt for a shadier location. Don’t forget to deadhead the flowers as needed to encourage continued growth + blooming!
Mums typically require daily watering, with morning being the best time to do so, as this allows them to absorb moisture throughout the day. To promote even growth, water your mums from the base, underneath the foliage. Top-watering can lead to splitting or create a worn watering hole, detracting from their manicured round shape.
And that’s it! Now, sit back and enjoy your annual mums!
While you’re at it, here are some practical fall decorating ideas with your mums:
Slip a fall mum into an empty pot or bushel basket. Need height? Place an upside-down pot under the mum pot to give it a lift!
Group mums with porch pots, pumpkins, straw bales, + corn stalks to create a beautiful fall collection.
Utilize a variety of sizes + colors—there are so many choices!
How to Trim Your Evergreens
We love evergreens for so many reasons, including year-round beauty, providing a safe place for birds to nest, and their instant privacy! Did you know that caring for them is actually quite simple? Learn how to efficiently trim your evergreens while you prep your yard for winter!
At Down to Earth, we sell DOZENS of evergreen varieties in every shape + size to fit your needs! Speaking of shape…did you know that trimming your evergreens can promote healthy growth + keep them looking snazzy? August is the ideal time to prune and shape your evergreens, giving them efficient time to callus before the cold midwest winter blows in! Those cute spiral + pom pom evergreens don't just grow that way - they take just a little bit of TLC.
SIMPLE STEPS...
Create a rough mental plan of how you would like the finished product to look
Grab your hedge shears + start shaping your evergreen as you like! (Need a new pair of shears? Visit our Garden Shop for options!)
We recommend following the natural shape of your evergreen (dependant upon the variety)
Be sure to view it from all angles to ensure an even trim
Start with small, light cuts. You can always go back for more, but you can’t glue to needles/foliage back on 😉
3. Keep going until you reach the desired shape
4. Stand back + admire your work!
After the first few frosts, we suggest applying Wilt Stop, an awesome product that helps prevent evergreen winter burns during harsh winters, especially if your shrubs/trees are on the north side of your home or buildings (these take the brunt of the winter blasts!). If you prune + trim each year, you should only need to perform small, light pruning each August to maintain a healthy evergreen!
Our yard team is ready to help you find your next evergreen, guide you to pruning + trimming tools, or give you advice on your existing plants!
The Year of the Japanese Beetle…
These may be pretty little bugs, but they sure do a lot of harm to your garden!
They're baaaack!!
Have you seen any of these little guys on your plants? Take action before they undo all of your hard gardening work! We have a variety of products that will 'get the job done' at our PHD (plant health department)!
Ready to Use Sprays
Quick and easy application that takes immediate action!
Systemic Options
Great long lasting effect for bug control on the whole plant. Be sure to plan ahead as it takes a week to activate!
Beetle Bags
Keeps bugs contained + out of sight by attracting them with a lure. Pro tip - put a 5 gal bucket of water underneath each trap that will catch any beetles that don’t make it into the trap.
Which option is best for your yard? After gardening all spring, protect your garden this summer from these little monsters! Be sure to stop in to talk to our experts to arm yourselves for a beetle battle!
Tick + Mosquito Season is Here!
Ticks + Mosquitoes are Bad This Season! Try These Plants to Help Keep the Problem at Bay.
Whether you have found a few of these little ticks crawling on your skin already this season or not, they are out on the prowl! To help reduce your sightings of them this season, try strategically planting these tick-repelling herbs + flowers in your landscape to help keep these critters at bay:
Lemongrass
Lantana
Scented Geranium
Mint
Sage
Lavender
The best part about these plants? These options also all help with those pesky mosquitoes that are also ravenous this season! Don’t get stuck inside this season because of bug-fear - take back your yard (and your summer) with the help of these plants!
We offer all of these varieties seasonally, so be sure to stop out to see what we have in stock!
Pretty Peonies
Peonies: One of the most beloved + recognizable flowers out there! Known for their impressive blooms, versatile + exciting colors, and fragrant smell - it is no wonder they are a long-standing gardener’s favorite!
These sun-loving flowers bloom in late spring/early summer! You will find 2 types of peonies in the midwest: Herbaceous + Itoh ! Let’s learn a bit about both varieties!
Herbaceous are the most popular type of Peony that you find in gardens! Available in a variety of purples, pinks, reds, + white, they have so much to offer! You may want to consider staking this variety as their heavy flowers blooms often topple over without additional assistance.
Itoh Peonies, or Intersectional, are a beautiful blend of tree peonies + the herbaceous variety. This ideal hybrid offers stiffer stalks, a coveted change from the Herbaceous variety. This variety offers an even wider variety of colors to liven up your garden. Find yellows + even bi-colored varieties in the Itoh lineup!
Uh oh - ANTS! A common question we get is - why are there ants all over my Peony buds? No need to worry! Ants + Peonies have a symbiotic relationship: Peonies create a delicious sweet nectar that ants are willing to protect, fending off any unwanted critters, protecting your Peony!
Want to use your Peony plant for cut flowers? To help longer lasting blooms, be sure to wait until the buds “pop” and show color before cutting them + placing them in arrangements. We love these blooms as they are also great stand-alone pieces in a vase!
Come find your new garden centerpiece by shopping both varieties of Peonies at our Eau Claire location (available seasonally)!
Proven Winner Certified
Each spring, we proudly participate in reaffirming our Proven Winners Certified Garden Center status. Proven Winners is one of our highly sought-after brands for all things annuals + perennials. They offer high-end plants that are “proven” to flourish in our midwest environment.
Every spring, our garden center team takes a full Proven Winners training course in order to be more acquainted + knowledgeable in this brand's line of plants. Once our entire garden center team completes this training, we are badged with this exciting certification!
Our goal for this training is for our team members to gain confidence + helpful skills in order to better serve YOU, our loyal customers.
Throughout the spring, we offer many team-training opportunities for brands such as Breeo Fire Pits, Monrovia, + Promix. We aim to bring not only high-end products right to your neighborhood, but also to offer informed staff that understand these incredible brands + have the tools to answer your questions.
Seed Starting 101
Seed starting is the perfect educational project for your kiddos, or an easy way to get your gardening-fix as an adult! Starting from seed is a simple way to bring fresh veggies, herbs, or flowers to your garden! Follow our easy step-by-step startup guide to seed starting.
Supplies Needed:
Seeding soil
Seedling tray or peat pots
Your chosen seeds
Optional supplies: grow light, heat mat, + clear plastic dome that fits seedling tray
6 Steps to Success:
Fill seedling trays or pots with seeding soil.
Level off soil.
Lightly moisten the soil.
Create indents in soil according to the specific seed package.
Place seed into indent + lightly cover with soil.
Set seedling trays or pots into a tray of water. (This ‘bottom watering’ method helps prevent the seeds from moving. Allow to sit for 30-40 min then dump extra water.)
Optional Steps, to optimize seed growth:
Place seed trays or pots on heat mats to create a consistent soil temperature - this will help seeds germinate faster.
Place dome on seedling tray.
Once the first few sightings of your little seedlings appear, use grow lights to enhance plant growth and decrease plant stretching.
Once 50-60% of the germination is complete, you can remove the dome.
Come chat with our gardening experts in store to learn more about specific varieties + requirements, and to get all of your seed-starting questions answered! We’ll see you soon!
Plant the Valley
Let’s plant the Valley! We want to share our love of trees with the entire Chippewa Valley! We have set a BIG tree-goal that comes with an exciting reward for everyone…
Let’s plant the Valley! We want to share our love of trees with the entire Chippewa Valley!
We have set a BIG tree-goal that comes with an exciting reward for everyone. April thru November 2024, we have set out to sell 2,500 trees at our retail locations. When we meet our goal, we will “dig in” and plant trees throughout the Valley. Help us enrich our community, create sustainability, and bring the joy of nature to all parts of our beautiful town. This is a team effort that involves all of us…
How to join in on this mission:
Purchase any tree from our retail store - watch the tree tracker grow throughout the months! Every tree purchased makes the tracker leaves flourish!
Promote the program by displaying our ‘Plant the Valley’ merch! (Button/stickers given after your tree purchase. Sweatshirts + tees are available in our garden shop!)
Choose to sponsor a tree! (see details below)
Plant the Valley Sponsorships are now available! All sponsorship donations will be applied toward trees to be planted above and beyond our campaign goal. You can purchase a sponsorship online (click link below) or in-store at our retail locations.
Together, we can make a big beautiful impact in our amazing community. Let’s PLANT THE VALLEY!
(Of note: When you finish your checkout process for tree sponsorship, you will receive a Pick-Up notification as part of our online ordering system; please ignore this notification. All sponsorship donations will be fulfilled and trees planted in November 2024)