Talking Plants

Jillian Patrie | University of Minnesota Yard and Garden Extension

Shorter days and cooler nights have come and so have the fall season activities.  Leaves are dropping, summertime blooms are fading, and the winter season is almost here.  Let’s take a look at what yard and garden tasks are a must, and which ones can wait until spring?

Lawns: Leaves that cover more than 20% of a lawn should be bagged or mulched to avoid diseases caused by excess moisture when the snow melts in the spring.  Applying fertilizer and aerating lawns can be done through mid-October.  Lawns can continue to be mowed through early November (weather and growth dependent), between 2-3” is the best height for Minnesota lawns going into winter.  If you missed the chance to seed grass earlier in the fall, don’t worry! Dormant seeding may be your ticket to a lush lawn next year.  Dormant seeding occurs right before snowfall; seeds stay dormant until spring! Check out the lawn care calendar here to learn more https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar.

Trees, Shrubs & perennials: Protection is key for winter survival of many woody plants.  Animals like to snack on bark, branches and other parts of plants through the winter causing a lot of damage.  Tree protectors should go on young trees now until spring, fences can be put around shrubs that are a favorite treat of rabbits or deer.  Plant roots need the insulating properties of moist soil to make it through the cold winter months.  Adding mulch to the base of trees and in garden beds can help retain moisture. Watering in times of drought is also necessary to ensure successful overwintering of many new trees and shrubs.  Established, woody plants may need some water too, especially if rainfall has been scarce.  Fertilizing trees, shrubs and perennials is not recommended after August, wait until spring.  Planting trees and shrubs can be done until late October or early November, weather permitting.  Perennials should be planted by the end of September, to ensure good root establishment before winter.  The exceptions to this guideline are fall bulbs like tulips, daffodil, crocus, etc. Fall is a good time to divide and transplant certain perennials to learn more about when to divide and transplant visit https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/dividing-perennials.

Finally, make sure to remove any diseased plant material from the landscape.  Fungi and unwanted plant pests can over winter in leaf litter.  Do not use it for mulch.

What can wait until spring?  Waiting to cut back spent perennials until spring can provide essential overwintering and reproductive habitat for many moths, native bees and butterflies.  Remaining foliage and plants easily collect snow, which can add moisture and insulation to garden beds.  For more information on winter yard and garden preparations visit https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden.

For questions about this article or local assistance please contact Clay County Extension Educator Jill Patrie at 218-299-7338 or by email at patri350@umn.edu.