For plants, the fall is the time to tuck them into bed to prepare for a dormant winter. This preparation process consists of watering, fertilizing, and protecting plants to help ensure they not only survive the winter but continue to thrive come spring. Focus on the following fall plant healthcare tips before the weather gets too frosty.

Fall Plant Healthcare

While the soil is still warm but temperatures are starting to drop, it’s time to prep, protect, and plant certain plants.

• Plants still need water, especially to hydrate the roots before the ground freezes. While most plants need less water as temperatures cool, newly planted trees need deep watering to encourage root development. Check the top inch of soil for dryness to help determine how much water is needed.
• Remove weeds and add a few inches of compost or organic mulch to enrich the soil, retain moisture, and insulate roots.
• Use a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to help promote root growth.
• Prune dead, diseased, or broken branches and foliage to help prevent future problems.
• Remove hostas once their leaves turn brown to prevent slugs, but leave most other perennials to protect their crown and provide habitats for beneficial insects.
• Plant bulbs, trees, and shrubs while the soil is still warm enough for root development.
• Protect delicate bark and young evergreens with specialty tree wraps to help prevent winter damage.
• Treat container plants for pests before bringing them inside.
• Move indoor plants to brighter locations or use grow lights. Rotate plants weekly to ensure all sides receive light.

Whether indoors or out, all plants require some type of care this time to year to prepare them for the cold so they can bounce back beautifully in the spring.

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