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 Cut
back plants (or not!)
Any diseased or insect-infested plants should be removed and
destroyed (not composted) before winter to avoid spreading in the
garden. Additionally, remove hosta leaves once damaged by frost, as
they can harbor slug eggs that might overwinter and cause problems
later.
Instead of cutting all the plants to the ground this fall after
everything turns brown and crunchy, consider leaving some plant
material standing for winter interest and overwintering insect
habitat. Ornamental grasses and some dried seed pods add movement
and structure to the garden, creating a beautiful display,
especially when dusted with snow. Many beneficial insects use dried
leaves and hollow stems for shelter during the winter months.
Overwintering plants indoors
In central Illinois, the first frost typically arrives in
mid-October, though it can come earlier. To save your favorite
garden plants, move them indoors before a damaging frost. With some
attention and care, overwintering your top garden performers indoors
will save money and fill your garden next spring. Tender perennials,
tropical plants, and some herbs easily overwinter in conditions
preferred by houseplants.
Select only healthy specimens for overwintering
and carefully inspect each plant for signs of pests and disease.
Rinse the leaves with a stream of water to remove tiny hiding
insects and consider treating plants with insecticidal soap as a
precaution. [to top of second
column] |
Dig up the entire plant,
taking care to keep most of the root system intact to minimize
stress. Pot the plant in a container with fresh potting soil and
cut back the foliage by one-third to help the plant focus on
root repair rather than maintaining mature top growth. Care for
overwintered garden plants just like a houseplant—place in a
sunny location, water when dry, and supply a source of humidity,
such as a shallow pan of gravel and water underneath the
container.
Planting spring bulbs in the landscape
The best time to plant spring bulbs is from late September
through October to allow sufficient time for a good root system
to develop before winter. Spring bulbs need a cold period to
guarantee a spring bloom. Consider planting in large drifts of
color to make a dramatic statement in the landscape. Mix them in
with other perennials and shrubs to screen the foliage after
blooms fade. Also, make sure to plant bulbs two to three times
their length. (Measured from the bulb base to the bulb tip.)
Bulbs should be spaced six to 12 inches apart to allow space for
bulbs to multiply by producing offshoots. If the fall is
unseasonably dry, water weekly until the ground freezes. A
light, 2-inch layer of mulch added to the soil after planting
will minimize soil temperature fluctuations in winter and
converse soil moisture.
[SOURCE: Brittnay Haag, Horticulture
Educator, University of Illinois Extension]
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