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With summer coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about how you can get your garden ready for fall and winter.
Changing seasons can be a great opportunity to add new plants and colors to your garden.
Lower temperatures can do wonders for certain species such as beautiful hosta plants.
Follow our fall gardening tips to keep your garden looking beautiful throughout the colder months.
1.) Add Compost
Compost is a key ingredient for keeping your garden fresh and hydrated. Look for
bags of compost that have been kept in cool, shaded places and out of the beating
sun. Long exposure to sunlight can dry out compost over time. Dig up about 10
inches of your existing soil, breaking up rocks and huge clumps, and mix in some
fresh compost. Your plants will thank you as the colder weather starts rolling in.
2.) Have Enough Room to Grow
When you buy smaller plants, it can be tempting to clump them close together. But
you need to give them room to grow. The roots of a plant need plenty of space to
expand and firmly get a hold in the ground. Remember to take a look at the tag in
the nursery to get an idea of how large the plant will be when it reaches its full size.
3.) Water Before You Plant
A common mistake many gardeners make is not watering their plants before they
plant them in the ground. Soak them with water when they’re still in the containers
from the nursery. This helps new plants retain water so they can go into the ground
fresh and hydrated. They’ll spread their roots that much more quickly and easily.
4.) Use Mulch
Mulch helps plants retain water, especially during the colder months. It also
prevents weeds, helping your garden stay clean and elegant. Spread 2 to 3 inches of
mulch on the ground around your plants. Do your best to avoid pilling the mulch
against stems, trunks and crowns. Too much contact with your plants can cause
them to rot.
5.) Buy Winter-Loving Plants
Plants that survive and thrive in winter will transform your garden into a year-
round sensation. Edibles such as lettuce, kale and broccoli do well in colder
temperatures and can even withstand the occasional frost. To add color and texture
to your garden, hosta plants are one of the most beautiful winter-loving plants
available. Our hosta farm in Vermont has a huge selection of hosta plants that will
keep your garden looking its best throughout fall and winter.
Photo: @lisaborden
6.) Shrubs and Saplings
Fall is the best time to plant shrubs and tree saplings. Young shrubs and saplings
need to avoid the sweltering heat when they’re young. Colder weather gives them
the chance to firmly plant their roots and build a solid foundation from which to
grow. Check out Better Homes and Gardens’ Tips on How to Plant Container-Grown
Shrubs and Trees (http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/care/how-
to-plant-container-grown-trees–shrubs/) for more information.
7.) Trim Perennials
Perennial flowers and plants are a great addition to your garden. They may last
year-round, but with every changing season it’s important to give your perennials a
helping hand. As fall and winter come around, trim your perennials to help lighten
their load. They’ll have more energy and vitality to last another year. Plus, trimming
overgrown plants prevents nasty insect infestations and keeps your garden neat and
clean. Hop on over to Sunset for their list of the 20 Best Perennials for Fall
(http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/best-perennials-fall-planting).
About Green Mountain Hosta:
Green Mountain Hosta is New England’s number-one hosta farm to find beautiful
hosta plants of all varieties. With stunning colors and plenty of shapes and sizes to
choose from, hosta plants will add some much-needed flavor to your garden this fall
season. Grab some today!
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