Preparing Plants for Dormancy

Call Steve anytime. He is always willing to meet with you!

Things to think about before putting your hose away for the winter season.

Water all your plants deeply because roots continue to grow.

• Consider spraying an anti-dessicant for new plantings to seal in moisture from the drying effects of the wind and sun in January.
• Insulate tender Perennials with leaf mulch or salt marsh hay to them from drastic changes.
• Build up the base of Roses with leaf mulch.
• Divide overgrown Perennials to maintain good flowering and health.
• Remove all leaves over your lawn to avoid dieback in the spring, and to discourage diseases from overwintering.
• October and November is a great time to do any transplanting work.
• Add a silt or burlap barrier along tender plants that may be effected by salt or wind.
• Cut back your Perennials to the ground unless they provide you with winter attraction.
• Consider the extra work you may create in the spring by being overly concerned in the fall.
• Allow your plants to naturally harden-off for the winter.
• Certain bedding plants can be taken inside to overwinter.
• Don't stimulate any late tender growth by fertilizing.
• Give extra care to plants that have been doing poorly during the growing season.