Should you cut down perennials now?
Most of the plants in the garden are finished blooming, and it’s time to clean things up and prepare for winter. Some perennials, however, should be left standing. This begs the question “to cut down or not to cut down?”
It’s easy to make a decision with annuals. After the first frost when they are blackened and looking ugly, pull them out and throw them in the compost bin. Likewise, clean up plant debris from the vegetable garden. When asked what to do with perennials, as with many gardening questions, the answer is “it depends.” This article from the Penn State Extension Service offers some hints on when to cut and when to wait. More …
Find the best native plants to help wildlife
for your area
The National Wildlife Federation Plant Finder website allows users to plug in their zip code and find the best native plants specifically for your area that attract butterflies and moths and the birds that feed on their caterpillars, based on the scientific research of Dr. Douglas Tallamy. More …
Don’t plant tulips too early
Don’t plant tulips until the end of October! Though it’s tempting to get fall bulbs in the ground, tulips should not be planted until late October after the threat of warm, soggy, rot-inducing weather has passed. More …