topic Re: FALL GARDENING TIP in Community Chat

FALL GARDENING TIP

katie1859 — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:00:35 GMT

Here in the Midwest the weather is perfect fall sun and temps. Mums everywhere and blooming
So here's my garden tip for perennial flower lovers.
You can go to any Walmart now and mums are marked down.
Small medium large....great prices.
Now is the time to plant they beauties. Six weeks before the first frost. They get time to get settled with their roots and the sun is still warming them.
I planted quite a few. They now are huge and healthy. When the weather turns, and your raking, simple cut the stems and dead buds down to about and inch above soil line and cover with your leaves. This will keep them winter sheltered.
Come spring, they will green like any other plant and just be a healthy green hedge until September, some even late August.
This is a good inexpensive way to plant with sturdy plants that will just endure and fill your empty spaces

Re: FALL GARDENING TIP

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:15:00 GMT

@katie1859 Have you had luck with the mums coming back? I have purchased the Walmart mums in the past but they never come back in the spring.

I did find a nursery that was selling mums a few years ago, and they have come back every year.

I might give the Walmart mums a second chance, thanks!

Re: FALL GARDENING TIP

PA Mom-mom — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:29:42 GMT

@katie1859 For me, wintering over mums is hit or miss. I do cut them back and lightly cover with leaves or mulch for the winter. I'd say they usually come back, but some are not even 1/4 of the plant they were the year before. If they are full, I have to remember to cut them back by half around July 4, so they don't become too leggy. Sounds like you have a better experience than I have. Keeping them in pots works better for me.

Re: FALL GARDENING TIP

katie1859 — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:45:31 GMT

Mums are like this. They are rooty and they like deep soil. They also like sun and they really like waterings.
In normal growing season every 2 weeks I fertilize. I use a basic 1 scoop to a gallon water. That has really made a difference.once August comes I stop fertilizing.
Now as they bloom I dead head and let nature take it's course.
Yeah, some may not take a harsh winter, but like I said, just buy them on sale now and just replace. You'd be surprised how many do come around again.

Re: FALL GARDENING TIP

katie1859 — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:46:47 GMT

You will learn that most all come from Michigan growers so it's not a Walmart brand.