(yawn) oh if only we humans could just shut down for a few months… or maybe that’s just me! Now IS the time we’re putting our plants to rest. Or, really, they’re doing it themselves, but we can help make them cozy and feel protected.
One of the first things we do for all our plants, from lawns to roses to evergreens, is to water them until the ground freezes. Typically, that is in early December in Zone 4. It’s especially important for plants 3 years and younger and in a drought year (hello 2021).
Yes, this is a vegetable garden BUT the point is the soaker hose, the best way to water
Roses:
If you only have Minnesota hardy roses, then there’s really not a lot you have to do except water and mulch. Our expert, Karen, endorses Western Red Cedar mulch as it not only retains moisture in the soil but it also helps protect the plants from some insects. Here is a LINK to her Facebook LIVE Event in October. Roses are tougher than we think.
Carpet rose 10-20-20 snowfall – not a problem!
When temperatures start to fall into the 20’s, that’s the time to start preparing those tender roses such as grandiflora, floribunda and hybrid tea roses. These are generally hardy to zone 6. We are in zone 4b.
Read more on Preparing Roses for Cold Minnesota Weather– there are 5 methods including the Minnesota Tip Method.
MN Tip Method – be sure to click on the above link
Evergreens:
Oh I’ve seen some damage on evergreens. MANY of us have.
Winter burn – this evergreen was cut down
Our expert, Sean, answered Facebook LIVE questions on preparing evergreens along with our trees and shrubs earlier this year. Using burlap is a great idea, however, don’t let the burlap touch the evergreen needles, Sean says it will dry them out. Instead, create a teepee of sorts with poles, leaving about 2 inches open around the plants, then wrap the burlap around the poles. Check out Sean’s video HERE.
Poles used to create a type of teepee
Trees/shrubs:
Our expert, Sean, shares information on protecting and caring for our trees and shrubs in winter. And take a look at our LEARN article “How to Prepare Trees and Shrubs for Winter”. Especially those 3 years old and younger! The plastic spiral tree protectors are cheap and easy!
Spiral tree guard is recommended by Sean
Lawns:
Winterizing your lawn? Yes, there are things you can do. For this “the Scoop”, we went to our L&G Guru, Dave. Click HERE for his Facebook Live video on Winterizing your lawn. Dave shares a lot of information including how the Winterizer fertilizer works!
Any way you look at it, our plants bear the brunt of our winters. But if we give them a little extra care, they’ll thrive. Remember that you can always contact us through social media, google messaging and, of course, give us a call! Our experts are always available to answer your questions.
For now I’m PONDering a long winter’s nap,
