Well, it’s that time. As sad as it is, we have to accept the winter that is to come. If you put your plants to bed well, they will love you back in the spring.
I work exclusively with Hale’s Landscaping so here are a few ideas from Steve & John Hale:
-Clean out all of those leaves. Leaves harbor ticks, disease and fungus which can hurt you and your plants.
-People often mulch their planting beds in the spring which is good. But the optimal time is August or the fall. Mulching in Late summer or fall is best because it regulates the ground temperature and protects your plants roots from big temperature swings when they need it most. It also helps keep moisture in the soil.
– Spray newly planted, exposed, boarder line ( our zone ) evergreens with an anti desiccant. This will help the plant from loosing water over the winter through transpiration.
– Cut back perennials.
– Tie up ornamental grasses that tend to flop over in rain or snow.
– Prune Deciduous plants.
– Evergreens along the ocean or in very windy areas should be wrapped in burlap and sprayed with an anti desiccant to help prevent winter burn.
-Plant bulbs.
-Fertilize lawn. The fall feeding is the most important. Can be done very late in the season. Make sure it is done with enough time for the fertilizer to work its way into the soil before the ground freezes.
-Roses bushes should be mulched in. Pile up mulch or compost around the base and up the trunk a little.
– Deer proof any plants they like with deer netting or a repellent.
– Bring planters inside.
– Dig up and store you precious tropicals in a cool dry place. Cant do this will all tropicals.
-Remove hoses from the spigot.
– Start planning for the spring!