1. Cut Back the Foliage:
* After the first frost, cut the foliage down to about 4-6 inches above the ground.
* This prevents diseases and keeps the plant neat.
2. Mulch:
* Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded leaves, bark, or compost) around the base of the plant.
* This helps insulate the roots and protect them from harsh winter temperatures.
3. Avoid Excessive Watering:
* Peonies are dormant in the winter and don't need much water.
* Overwatering can lead to root rot.
* Water only if the soil is dry.
4. Protect from Rodents:
* If you live in an area with rodents, consider putting up a wire mesh around the base of the plant to prevent them from damaging the roots.
5. Leave the Plant Alone:
* Resist the urge to dig up or disturb the plant during the winter.
* Allow it to rest and recover.
Additional Tips:
* Spring: Remove any dead or diseased foliage in the spring before new growth emerges.
* Fertilizer: Fertilize your peonies in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
* Division: If your peony plant is overcrowded, you can divide it in the spring.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your peony plants are healthy and ready to bloom beautifully in the spring.
Chamomile is a marvelous medicinal herb with beautiful blooms. But let’s be honest: it can be a bit boisterous in the garden. It’s one of those plants that you start growing, only to find a few years later that it has reseeded, and volunteers have started popping up all over the place. Or maybe you don’t have the space to dedicate to an in-ground plot for your favorite herbs, but you long for the fresh taste of homegrown chamomile tea. The solution? Containers.
Breadfruit trees provide nutritious, starchy fruit that are an important food source in the Pacific Islands. Although generally considered problem free trees to grow, like any plant, breadfruit trees can experience some specific pests and diseases. In this article, we will discuss the common pests of breadfruit. Let’s learn more about bugs that eat breadfruit. Breadfruit Tree Pest Problems As a tropical plant, breadfruit trees are never exposed to periods of hard freeze,
The annual flowers have faded, the last of the peas harvested, and the previously green grass is browning up. It’s time to get organized and decide how to prepare vegetable garden beds for winter. With a little veggie garden winter preparation, you’ll be setting the groundwork for a bountiful harvest during the next growing season. How to Prepare Vegetable Garden Beds for Winter The first order of business when getting the garden ready for winter is sanitatio
QUESTION: Is baking soda good for plants? What do you actually do with it? – Julie S ANSWER: Baking soda is good for your plants. It serves many useful purposes around the garden. The biggest way that baking soda is useful is as a deterrent to disease. It’s known for helping deter fungal diseases. Obviously, you should be taking every step possible to avoid this type of disease in your garden. Start by planting in well-draining soil to keep your plant from living in a continu