Fall Tips to Prepare & Winterize for a Beautiful Spring Garden

• Plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at the end of October/first of November for early Spring color – if you plant too early and we get a wet fall, the bulbs will rot in the ground
• Prepare your veggie beds for next spring by enriching the soil with compost and other organic matter
• Empty and drain your hoses and rain barrels and store for the winter before our first hard freeze
• Make sure to water through the fall if you have new young trees, shrubs & perennials. Cooler weather does not always mean wetter weather – We often have very dry Fall seasons.
• Go ahead and plant new perennials & shrubs in the fall so you have that extra burst of color and texture in the spring after a long winter. Actually, Fall is the BEST time to plant! By planting in the fall, you give the roots the opportunity to get established and avoid the stress and withering effects of the hot summer sun. Plant at least 3-4 weeks before our normal frost time – there is a 50% chance that temperatures will drop to 28 degrees at least once by November 1st – of course, this is Missouri, so…. Make sure to add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch and/or compost around the base of the plant and root area.
• Trim perennials and mums in the fall – Once your plants have gone to seed and run through their life cycle, it’s time to clean “em up! They can be somewhat unsightly at this point. By trimming them back, it will give the plants more energy for next year and limit potential problems like powdery mildew and insect infestations. And in the case of mums, which are shallow rooted plants, a trim to 4-5” above the ground, helps keep the roots protected as ice and snow can’t drag the plant over and expose the root area to freezing. Remember to Mulch after trimming.

Bringing Plants in for the Winter

Which plants do you bring in???

Tropicals, such as hibiscus and mandevillea are always popular, along with traditional foliage such as palms, crotons and peace lilies. But, also consider herbs, such as rosemary and lavender, begonias like Dragon Wings and the extremely popular varieties of succulents.

• Choose an area that the plants can live throughout the winter that stays at a consistent temperature that does not drop below 45 degrees and has good, bright light
• Pick healthy plants!!!
• Treat for insects before you bring the plants indoors. Spray them once and then again in 3-5 days. We suggest using an organic ready to use spray or make your own. We have a recipe available that we recommend.
• Plants in the ground need to have as much of the root area dug up that will fit in the chosen pot. Put a fresh layer of soil on the bottom of the pot and then add fresh soil around the sides and top. Make sure to thoroughly water in.
• Plants that are in pots already need to pass inspection. Are roots coming out the bottom? Does water just run through the pot? Both are signs that your plant needs a larger home. We recommend when you repot to go up 2 sizes larger in a container. So if your plant is in a 10” diameter pot, you should move to a 14” diameter pot. Buy good, porous, well draining potting soil – it makes a huge difference when it comes to watering and growing healthy plants.
• Prune or cut back your plants HARD! The plant will settle into its new location and focus on developing its roots throughout the winter. So where do you cut back? Always cut back at a “joint” or junction, where the leaves join the stem and always cut at an angle.
• About watering – Depending on your location and the type of plant you are bringing in, you will need to modify your watering habits. You may not need to water as much, but keep in mind that winter air in your home can be drying. We suggest that you fertilize minimally until about 4 weeks before you get ready to put your plant back outside.
• Expect some stress and leaf drop. Your plants will need to acclimate and readjust to the new amount of light, the new pot and the new location.