How to Prepare Outdoor Plants for Winter in Virginia

You’ve probably already begun to move your houseplants back inside, but there are some things you also should be doing to your outdoor plants.

Remove dead or dying annual flowers from your garden. Remember, however, that black-eyed susan and sunflowers have edible seed heads that birds love, so you may choose to cut those off and leave them on the ground to help keep our feathered friends fed.
Remove any dead or wilted flower stems from your perennials. Do not disturb the foliage until it has yellowed back on its own.
Plant winter-hardy bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc., now. Yes, they bloom in the spring, but they need to endure a cold winter first.
Mulch your perennials and shrubs. Remember to NEVER pile mulch up around the woody trunks of shrubs or trees. It can hold too much moisture around the trunk and cause problems. Keep it at least two or more inches away.
Fall is the single best time to aerate your lawn and gardens. And with our plentiful red Virginia clay, aerating can be particularly beneficial.
Fall is also the best time to overseed your lawn. Many of the grasses we grow here are tall turf fescues, and they grow roots well in the soil that still holds some summer warmth but is now surrounded by cooler air. This also makes fall a great time to plant a new tree or shrub.
Clean your garden tools before you put them away. This can help prevent any rust moving in. Also get your pruners, etc., sharpened (Remember we have a knife sharpener at our Farmers Market on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.).

Sit in your backyard, and enjoy the cooling fall air and know that your actions have made next spring easier.