Putting Your Garden to Bed – 10/19/12

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Putting Your Garden to Bed – October 19, 2012

As another gardening season draws to a close, take time to put your gardens "to bed" for the winter. We have put together some suggestions that should help ensure the survival of your plantings through a New Hampshire winter.

You should start by cutting back perennials to the ground after allowing them to die back naturally and then remove the dead foliage. Grasses, on the other hand, do not get cut back until the spring as the foliage protects the grasses from winter kill. Make sure to rake all leaves out of your beds around plant material especially if you have had any fungal problems. Fungus spores will overwinter in the soil and create even larger problems in the spring.

Consider using an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf, particularly on newly planted Hollies, Rhodies, Boxwood and Azaleas; established plantings would also benefit. It protects the plants from losing moisture through the leaves causing winter kill or burn.

Wait until spring to cut back your roses, generally one third off the top. Tea and floribunda roses should be protected over the winter. Simply set stakes around the bushes, wrap burlap and mound leaves around the plants. You could also just mound organic material around bushes.

Most importantly, don't forget to continue to water all newly planted material until the 2nd week of December. Now is a good time to review your failures and successes in your gardens this year and plan accordingly for next growing season!

Sincerely,

The Stratham Circle Nursery Staff