Fall can be the perfect season to plant new trees and shrubs, as long as you plant them at the right time. The ideal planting window is at least one month before the ground freezes. In New Hampshire, this typically falls between mid-October and mid-November. To give your trees and shrubs the best chance to thrive, aim to plant them by mid-October. That way, they’ll have enough time to establish roots and be well-prepared for a vibrant spring. In addition to planting your trees and shrubs at the appropriate time, follow these 5 steps to ensure they are healthy and blooming come spring.   

Water: Make sure to keep already established shrubs and trees well watered into late fall. Moisture will help them survive the harsh New England winter conditions. 

Apply Mulch: Add a two to four inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrubs and trees. Make sure you are keeping this away from the trunk to prevent rotting. 

Prune: Make sure to prune your plants once they have entered dormancy. Dormancy is when plants growth naturally slows, this typically is triggered by shorter daylight and decreasing temperatures. Due to the dry summer that we experienced plants will most likely experience this earlier this season. 

Protect the Trunk: Consider wrapping your shrubs and trees to protect them from damage. You can use tree wraps or even consider guards for younger trees.

The crisp air, warm colors, and falling leaves set the stage for a seasonal refresh. From planting vibrant mums and ornamental kale to adding decorative pumpkins, there are so many easy ways to embrace the beauty of fall. Start by following these 4 steps for an easy DIY fall container.

Choose a Container:

Select a large pot that can accommodate all of your plants, you can choose from terra cotta pots, olive buckets, or galvanized tubs.

Gather Fall Plants: 

Choose fall ornamentals that thrive in brisk weather. Great options include ornamental kale and cabbage for bold color and texture. Add height and dimension with elements like fountain grass, or muhly grass. For visual additions, incorporate plants with contrasting foliage and color, such as grass, dusty miller, and pansies.

Assemble Your Planter: 

Fill your container with potting soil, for a classic look place taller plants in the center and shorter plants or trailing ivy around the edges. 

Adding the Finishing Touches:

Incorporate decorative branches for added height. To add a nice seasonal touch consider adding small pumpkins, gourds, or fall-themed decor, and finally add mulch to any gaps to fill out the container. 

Your garden brings so much beauty during its peak season, so it only makes sense to give it the care it needs to make it through the winter. Taking the time to prepare now will set the stage for a lush, vibrant return in the spring. Follow these four essential steps below to get your garden ready for the colder months ahead.

Remove Spent Plants: Clear away any annuals and vegetables that have finished producing to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. For legumes like peas and beans, cut the plants at the soil level and leave the roots to decay. 

Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Now is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs like tulips, and daffodils, for an early vibrant spring display. 

Plant Cool Weather Vegetables:   Crops like spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, and swiss chard can handle light frosts and are good to plant now. Focus on varieties with a shorter days to maturity listed on the seed-packet. 

Enrich The Soil: Add a generous layer of compost to replenish nutrients that was lost. You can gently work it into the top few inches of the soil.

With a few small adjustments, your garden can flourish through even the hottest months. Keep these tips in mind as you care for your plants this season and enjoy a full, low-stress outdoor space all summer long.