Closing the Perennial Garden with John Fromer in the Hexagon Canceled

Here are some recommendations:

Cut perennials back to near ground level after a killing frost. We may have one Thursday morning. Use clean, sharp tools.

Some plants like sedum ‘Autumn Joy” and echinacea may be left up for the winter interest.

While leaving plants not cut back is a habitat for good insects, it is summarily a habitat for bad bugs. The tying factor is disease that you may not be aware of. Therefore, it is recommended to cut plants but the choice is yours.

On dahlias, wait for a light frost – 32 degrees but not lower. Cut the foliage back to about 6″ above the soil level so you can see and work with the tubers.

Gently dig with a garden fork around the base of the plant to loosen the soil from 8″-10″ away from the root ball. Then, using the fork, lift the tuber from underneath to remove it from the soil.

Gently shake off excess soil. You can use a hose to remove the rest of the soil. Let the tuber dry in the sun in a warm place for a day.

Inspect the tuber for damage or disease and remove any found. Store the tuber in wood shavings in a cardboard box at around 40 degrees. Inspect the tubers in mid winter for rot and remove any found.

We will talk about what to do next in the winter.