|
Tue, Oct 31, 06 at 16:29
| I know several knowledgeable gardeners who have very different opinions on preparation for winter, so I though I would pose this question to forum members. Do you cut back your perennials in the fall or do you postpone this task until spring? Some of my friends do it in the fall; others say fall cutting contributes to winter dieback and wait until spring. What works for you? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| I cut nearly everything back in fall. I do this because it is convenient for me. In spring, I have way too much going on, 100s of other chores in the garden, and I don't want to have to worry about pulling wet slimy dead perennial leaves as well. There are some I leave, such as my fall-blooming anemones, which have iffy hardiness. Sometimes I'll leave fall-planted perennials, just for that little extra bit of insulation from their foliage. |
|
| I've read that you only cut the green stuff back after it has died. I imagine that it's so the plant can continue to get as much sun as possible for as long as possible. I imagine that it feeds the plant until the last possible moment. I could be wrong but that's the scenario I've worked out in my little brain. That said, my mother has a GLORIOUS garden in Bangor and the week she told me she cut everything back (about mid october) - I cut all mine back too. If she has success year after year then why not. Are you cutting back spent perennials or shrubs? Shrubs may require different handling. Depending on when they bloom. Spring, summer or fall blooming shrubs-each have different needs. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Maine Gardening Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.