We have prepared a chart for you in hopes it may help you determine which perennials you should cut down before winter. If you still are uncertain, you can always “google” your perennial for more information.
Click on the “cut back perennials in fall or winter” below and the chart should appear.
Listed are a few chores that can be done in the September flower garden.
1) Discontinue deadheading annuals if you want them to reseed.
2) Cut back perennials if they are done blooming except those that provide winter food for wildlife.
3) Discontinue fertilizing plants.
4) Plant spring bulbs in late September.
5) Weed garden and rake up debris.
6) Cut injured or deceased parts of perennials off.
7) Discontinue deadheading perennials that provide winter food for birds.
8) Dig and divide daylilies and hostas.
9) Dig out any bulbs that are not winter hardy.
10) Look at your garden and make notes of wishful improvements.
Hanging annual flower baskets are fertilizer hogs. There are so many recommendations on what to use for fertilizer, from long acting fertilizers to making a tea solution. Probably the best fertilizers are the fast acting ones like Miracle Gro. Once the plant starts filling the baskets, it may be necessary to fertilize them at least once a week or more. Google fertilizing hanging baskets and see what type of fertilizer appeals to you. If you want your basket to look like the ones you see hanging from the light poles in cities and villages, you are going to have to fertilize and water faithfully.