10/05/2026
If you’ve noticed the weather forecast, it looks like things might be turning cooler on us soon! Elmo and Blackie thought we should share a few tips to help you best prepare your precious perennial beds:
1. Wait to cut everything back. Leave some perennial stems and seed heads standing for winter interest, wildlife, and snow catch. Cut back anything diseased.
2. Clean up diseased foliage. Remove and discard plants with significant disease or pest problems rather than leaving them in the garden.
3. Add a layer of mulch after the ground begins to freeze. Aim for about 2–4 inches of suitable mulch. The goal is to prevent repeated freezing and thawing.
4. Don’t pile mulch directly against crowns. Keep mulch slightly away from the base of plants to reduce rot and pest problems.
5. Protect newly planted perennials. First-year plants generally benefit the most from extra winter protection.
6. Be careful with fall fertilizing. Avoid pushing tender new growth late in the season. Fall is usually better for soil improvement than encouraging lush growth.
7. Watch for rodents. Thick mulch can provide hiding places for mice and voles. Avoid creating deep, tight piles right against plants.
8. Mark plants you want to remember. Once everything dies back, plant markers can save you from accidentally digging up perennials next spring.
9. Don’t panic after the first hard freeze!Perennials naturally go dormant. Brown foliage doesn’t necessarily mean the plant is dead.
Peonies and hostas should be cut off and disposed of. It’s best to leave most everything else to collect snow for protection and as a winter home for the good bugs. If you feel you have to cut things off, leave 10-12 inches for that purpose.
“When in doubt, leave it out!” 🌿❄️ When you’re unsure whether a perennial should be cut back in fall, leave the foliage/stems until spring. Many plants benefit from the extra winter protection, and you can always clean them up in spring.
Have a great fall season! Just 166 more days until the first day of spring! 😉
