Fall Garden Maintenance: Tips to Prune Your Plants and Bushes

Fall is here, and that means cooler temperatures and fading gardens for many of us. Depending on where you live, fall might mean some serious yard and garden cleanup in preparation for the cold of winter, or you might be fortunate to have a year-round growing season! These tips will focus on those preparing to tuck in their plants for the season.

1. Do some research. This might seem like an odd tip for plants and bushes, but it is important. To properly maintain your plants, you need to know proper pruning for them. Some plants and bushes should only be trimmed slightly as next year's blooms come from old growth.
2. Wait a bit. While you might be eager to cross fall cleanup off your list, be sure you are giving your plants enough time to reabsorb any nutrients back into their roots. It is often clear when the plants and bushes are done for the year, so be sure you are on the lookout. Additionally, winter or early spring might be the better time to do some trimming.
3. Wrap or bring in any delicate plants. If you live where it gets frigid in winter, be sure you bring in any plants that can’t survive or wrap them to keep them insulated from the elements.
4. Deadheading of perennials and annuals. This should be done year-round. By removing the old flowers, you give the plant a chance to rebloom throughout the growing season.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, maintenance and care is critical to your success. What are some of your gardening tips as your growing season winds down?