- Wait to apply winter mulch until the ground is frozen.
- Keep the mulch away from tree trunks and plant crowns to prevent rodents from damaging them, as well as mold and fungal development.
- Detach watering hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain them, roll them up and store in a dry location. If your outdoor water is on a separate system from your indoor pipes, shut it off and then turn the faucet on until all the water runs out. Place an insulating foam cover over the spigot to keep ice from cracking the metal.
- Remove saucers from under terra cotta containers on surfaces where they won't leave a stain. This will help keep the pots dry. Dry pots are less likely to crack and the soil will hold less moisture. Soggy soil in winter can lead to root rot. Keep in mind that plants don't need as much water during this time.
- As long as the ground is not frozen, you can still plant daffodil bulbs.
- You can plant Oriental and Asiatic lily bulbs in late fall for showy blooms next spring. If the ground is already frozen in your area, pot the bulbs up in containers; store them in locations where they will stay cool, dry and won’t freeze; and then plant the bulbs next spring. Lily bulbs never really go dormant so be gentle in handling them.
- Cut back on water and stop feeding houseplants. As the days become shorter your plants shift from an active growth cycle so they take up less moisture and don't require additional nutrients.
- Make sure your climbing roses are tied securely to their supports to prevent wind damage this winter.
Holly
