It's still autumn, and if you haven't already, there are a few chores that need to be done to winterize your garden. The Horticultural Society of New York, a 106 year-old, non-profit organization, recommends these maintenence jobs be done before winter arrives:
1. Discard All Weeds -- Especially Ones With Set Seeds
Be careful not to scatter seeds around the garden in the process of removal. Make sure to dig or pull weeds out by the roots to prevent more from coming back next spring.
2. Let the Plants Tell You When to Prune
Foliage of perennial plants will flop over at different times throughout the fall, indicating it is time to cut them back. Cut these plants within three inches of the ground. Do not prune trees or shrubs too late into the fall, because it can encourage new growth, which will not be strong enough for the cold weather. Save major pruning jobs for January or February when you can see the true form of a tree or shrub.
3. Guard Your Garden from Unwanted Diseases
Remove any old plant material from the garden to prevent diseases and unwanted insects from spending the winter. Dormant fungal spores and other nasty plant diseases can be found in decaying plant material, making clean-up one of the most important aspects of end-of-the-season gardening.
4. Let It Freeze Before You Mulch
Mulch is a great insulator for in-ground plants during the winter. Plants will begin to go dormant when the ground first freezes, and spreading mulch too early can lead to a rise in soil temperatures that can damage the plant. Wait until the ground is truly frozen before spreading mulch (a depth of 3” is recommended.)
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