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If mulching is on your spring to-do list, there’s one extra step that can save you a lot of weeding later. It adds about 20 minutes to the job and costs a few bucks.
The step: apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your soil before you lay your mulch.
We talk about this with customers at the nursery all the time. The ones who try it almost always come back saying the same thing: their beds stayed cleaner all season with a fraction of the usual weeding.
What Pre-Emergent Herbicide Does
A pre-emergent herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating. It creates a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that keeps seeds from sprouting. No sprouts, no weeds. That’s the idea.
Timing matters here. You need to get it down before weed seeds start germinating, which in Southeast Wisconsin is usually early to mid-spring. If you can already see weeds pushing through, the pre-emergent window has passed for those seeds. Pull what’s there first, then apply the herbicide to catch the next round.
Why It’s Worth Doing
The short version:
- Fewer weeds competing for water and nutrients
- Less time on your hands and knees pulling them
- Cleaner, better-looking beds all season
- Mulch works harder when it’s not fighting weeds from below
Mulch on its own does solid work. It holds moisture, keeps soil temperature steady, and blocks some light from reaching weed seeds. But mulch alone doesn’t stop everything. Plenty of weeds are stubborn enough to push through a mulch layer if the seeds are already in the soil underneath.
That’s where the pre-emergent comes in. The herbicide handles the seeds in the soil. The mulch handles everything above. Together, the two are far more effective than either one alone.
How to Apply It
1
Choose the Right Product
Pre-emergent herbicides come in granular and liquid forms. Both work well. The key is matching the product to your plants and the weed species common in your area. Different products target different weeds, so read the label. If you’re not sure what to grab, bring in a photo of your beds or describe what you’re dealing with. We can point you to the right product pretty quickly.
2
Prep the Area
Pull whatever weeds are already there and clear out leaves, sticks, and debris. If the soil surface is hard-packed, loosen it up so the herbicide distributes evenly. Consistent coverage across the whole bed is what you’re after.
3
Apply Evenly
For granular products, use a handheld or push spreader. For liquids, a pump sprayer works well. Follow the application rate on the label. Putting down too much can stress plants, and uneven coverage leaves gaps where weeds will find their way through. Take your time here. The difference between a bed that stays clean and one that gets patchy by June usually comes down to how evenly the herbicide was applied.
4
Water Lightly
After applying, give the area a light watering to activate the product and help it bond to the soil. You don’t need to drench it. Just wet the surface enough to get things working.
5
Add Your Mulch
Once the pre-emergent is down and activated, spread your mulch on top. A 2-3 inch layer works well for most beds. The mulch locks in the herbicide, adds its own layer of weed suppression, and keeps soil moist and temperature-regulated underneath.
A Caution About New Plantings
Watch out around anything planted in the last year.
Plants installed recently are still developing their root systems. Pre-emergent herbicides can interfere with that process, especially around tender new roots. Use the herbicide lightly in those areas, keep it away from the plant base, or skip it entirely and hand-weed instead. A little more work now protects your investment in those new plants.
Not sure if your plantings are established enough? Come talk to us. We can look at what you’ve got and recommend the right approach.
Stop By and We’ll Get You Set Up
We carry pre-emergent herbicides, mulch, spreaders, and everything else you need to get your beds ready for the season. And if you want a second opinion on your plan, that’s what we’re here for.
THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL
25% Off Donald Wyman Lilac
They bloom earlier than most lilacs, the fragrance is outstanding, and they handle our winters without trouble. Good time to get one in the ground.
See April Specials
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Spring is finally shaking off its grip in Southeast Wisconsin, and the nursery yard is filling up fast. We’ve been unloading fresh stock all week, and the smell of damp soil and new growth is hard to beat. If you’ve driven past our Cedarburg location lately, you’ve probably noticed the color coming back. It’s happening.
April Special: 25% Off Donald Wyman Lilac
All month long, we’re offering 25% off Donald Wyman Lilac. These are some of the best-performing lilacs we carry for Zone 5b. The Donald Wyman was bred for fragrance and disease resistance, and they deliver on both counts. Compact enough for smaller yards, sturdy enough to anchor a border planting, and they bloom early, right when you need that first big burst of spring color and scent.
| Donald Wyman Lilac Quick Facts |
| Hardiness Zone |
Zone 3-7 (perfect for our Zone 5b) |
| Bloom Time |
Early to mid-spring |
| Fragrance |
Strong, classic lilac scent |
| Disease Resistance |
Excellent (bred for mildew resistance) |
| Size |
Compact; great for smaller yards |
Please note: the discount applies to Donald Wyman varieties only. Other lilac varieties remain at the regular price. Excludes Online; All Sales Final orders; All sales final.
Why Lilacs Belong in a Wisconsin Garden
There’s a reason lilacs show up in almost every established garden around here. They’re tough, long-lived, and they ask very little of you once they’re established. A mature Donald Wyman Lilac will reward you with weeks of bloom every spring. Plant them near a window or along a walkway where you’ll catch the fragrance on a warm afternoon. They also make excellent cut stems for the kitchen table.
Quick Tip: Pre-Emergent Herbicide Before Mulching
Before you lay down fresh mulch this spring, consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide first. This simple step blocks weed seeds from germinating under your mulch layer, which means far less hand-weeding through the summer. Timing matters: you want to get it down before soil temperatures hit about 55 degrees consistently. We wrote up a detailed guide on this if you want the full rundown: Pre-Emergent Herbicide Before Mulching.
Read Our Pre-Emergent Guide
Stop by Heritage Hill Nursery this April and grab a Donald Wyman Lilac while the selection is strong. Our staff can help you pick the right variety for your spot and give you planting tips specific to our local soil conditions. We look forward to seeing you out here.
April Special
25% Off Donald Wyman Lilac
All month long at Heritage Hill Nursery. In-store only. All sales final.
Visit the Garden Center
Seasonal Tips
October brings a crisp change to Southeastern Wisconsin—cool nights, brilliant foliage, and the promise of the first hard frost by month’s end (typically late October in Zone 5). This transitional period is perfect for wrapping up summer chores, tucking in tender plants, and laying the groundwork for a vibrant spring. Here are five essential tips to help you make the most of October in your garden:
1. Clean Up and Combat Disease
As foliage dies back, spent annuals, diseased leaves, and vegetable debris can harbor pathogens and overwintering pests.
- Remove spent foliage: Pull out tomato vines, pepper plants, and any annuals that have stopped producing.
- Inspect perennials: Cut back ornamental grasses to 4–6 inches and trim back hardy perennials like rudbeckia and sedum after foliage browns.
- Dispose wisely: Compost only healthy green material. Bag and discard anything showing signs of blight, powdery mildew, or insect damage to prevent reinfestation next year.
- Sanitize tools: Wipe pruners and shears with a 10% bleach solution or 70% isopropyl alcohol between cuts to avoid spreading disease.
2. Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is prime time for tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and alliums. Planting now ensures robust root development before winter.
- Choose quality bulbs: Look for firm, plump bulbs without soft spots.
- Select sunny to part-sun locations: Most bulbs prefer at least 6 hours of light.
- Prepare planting beds: Loosen soil to 8–10 inches, amend with compost or bulb-planting mix for good drainage.
- Plant at correct depth: A general rule is three times the bulb’s height (e.g., a 2-inch bulb goes 6 inches deep).
- Mulch lightly: Apply a 2-inch layer of shredded bark or leaf mold to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
3. Sow Cover Crops and Amend Beds
Bare beds left unattended are prone to erosion and nutrient loss. Cover crops protect and enrich your soil over winter.
- Best choices for SE Wisconsin: Winter rye, hairy vetch, and crimson clover.
- Timing: Broadcast seed in mid-October, lightly rake in, and water if dry.
- Benefits: Roots bind soil, add organic matter, suppress weeds, and fix nitrogen (leguminous varieties).
- Spring incorporation: In May, cut cover crops at bloom and work them into the soil as green manure for a healthy, fertile garden.
4. Protect Tender Plants and Containers
While perennials handle frost, many container plants and borderline-hardy specimens need extra care.
- Move pots: Relocate sensitive annuals, citrus, and tropicals to a garage, greenhouse, or bright basement.
- Insulate shrubs: Wrap the root balls of container-grown shrubs in burlap or bubble-wrap.
- Apply mulch: Heap 3–4 inches of straw or shredded leaves around the base of tender perennials (hostas, coral bells) to buffer against freeze-thaw cycles.
- Use frost cloth: Keep a roll on hand for unexpected late-month cold snaps; drape over vulnerable crops like lettuce or pansies overnight.
5. Lawn Care: Aerate, Overseed, and Feed
October is the sweet spot for promoting a thick, resilient lawn before winter dormancy.
- Core aeration: Rent or borrow a core aerator to relieve compaction, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Overseed: Spread a shade- or sun-mix, depending on your yard, focusing on thin or bare spots.
- Fertilize: Apply a slow-release, high-potassium fertilizer (no “weed-and-feed” blends) around mid-October to strengthen roots.
- Leaf management: Mow leaves with your mower’s mulching setting or rake them onto beds for composting—avoiding a thick mat on turf that can smother grass.
Looking Ahead to Spring
By tackling these October tasks—cleaning up, planting bulbs, cover cropping, protecting the tender, and fortifying your lawn—you’ll ensure your Southeastern Wisconsin garden weathers winter smoothly and bursts to life come spring.
For bulbs, soil amendments, frost cloth, and expert advice, visit Heritage Hill Nursery here in Cedarburg, or shop online at heritagehillnurseryinc.com. Here’s to a productive October and a garden ready for every season!
Specials
As the colors of autumn brighten across Southeastern Wisconsin, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and garden. At Heritage Hill Nursery, we’re making room for next season with exclusive October savings you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re planning ahead for next year’s garden or looking to bring a touch of fall indoors, these deals are here for a limited time.
🌸 Artificial Flowers — 50% Off
Add long-lasting color to your home décor this season with our wide selection of artificial flowers, now half price. These lifelike blooms bring beauty without the upkeep, making them perfect for:
- Seasonal centerpieces and holiday tablescapes
- Office or business displays
- Gifts that brighten someone’s day year-round
With such variety, it’s easy to find the perfect arrangements to match your style.
🌳 Inventory Reduction Sale — 40% Off Select Perennials, Shrubs & Trees
Looking ahead to spring? Now is the perfect time to plant for next year and take advantage of 40% off select nursery stock, including:
- Perennials that return year after year
- Shrubs that anchor your landscape with form and color
- Trees that provide shade, beauty, and long-term value
Fall is one of the best times to plant in Wisconsin. Cooler weather and consistent moisture allow roots to establish before winter, giving your plants a strong head start for next spring.
Please note: these clearance items are part of our inventory reduction event. All sales are final, so shop early for the best selection and savings.
Why Shop Now?
- Save big on quality plants and décor.
- Plant in fall for healthier, stronger growth next year.
- Clearance deals mean limited availability — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Visit Us This October
Stop in at Heritage Hill Nursery throughout the month of October to take advantage of these seasonal specials. Whether you’re updating your landscape or adding a splash of indoor color, you’ll find unbeatable deals waiting for you.
🍂 Don’t wait — visit us today and celebrate fall with fresh savings at Heritage Hill Nursery!
Seasonal Tips
As summer’s heat gives way to cooler nights and the first hints of autumn, September in Southeastern Wisconsin is a pivotal month in the garden. You’re juggling the final harvest of warm-season crops with planting and prepping for fall and even spring blooms next year. Here are five essential tips—tailored to Zone 5’s climate—to help you make the most of this transitional month.
1. Adjust Watering and Refresh Mulch
- Scale back irrigation gradually. With cooler overnight temperatures and occasional rain, reduce supplemental watering to about ¾ inch per week. Early-morning watering remains best to minimize fungal issues.
- Top up mulch layers. A fresh 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch (shredded bark, leaf mold, or straw) conserves moisture, insulates roots, and keeps weeds at bay as temperatures fluctuate.
- Watch container plantings. Pots and hanging baskets dry out faster as days shorten—check them every other day, and consider adding water-retaining crystals or switching to thicker-walled containers.
2. Plant Fall Crops and Cover Crops
- Direct-seed cool-season vegetables such as:
- Leafy greens: Spinach, arugula, and lettuce varieties that bolt slowly in cooler air.
- Roots: Radishes, beets, and carrots—thin seedlings as they emerge to 2–3″ apart.
- Transplant hardy starts of kale, broccoli, and cabbage in early September to give them time to establish before frost.
- Sow cover crops (winter rye, clover, or hairy vetch) in bare beds by mid-month. They protect soil structure, suppress weeds, and add organic matter come spring.
3. Lawn Care: Aeration, Overseeding, and Feeding
- Core-aerate compacted turf to improve oxygen, water, and nutrient penetration. Early September is ideal for strong seedling establishment.
- Overseed bare or thinning patches with a cool-season grass mix formulated for full sun or shade, depending on your lawn.
- Apply a fall fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to strengthen roots and help grass recover from summer stress. Aim for a slow-release formula in mid-September.
4. Clean-Up and Disease Management
- Remove spent annuals and diseased foliage from vegetables and ornamentals. Compost only healthy debris; discard any material showing signs of blight or mildew.
- Rake fallen leaves regularly. While a light mulch of leaves can insulate perennials, a thick mat can smother turf and encourage slugs and fungus.
- Sanitize tools between uses—especially after cutting back tomatoes or squash—to prevent pathogen spread. A 10% bleach solution or 70% isopropyl alcohol works well.
5. Spring Bulbs and Perennial Division
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus) between late September and early October. Ensure good drainage by mixing in bulb-planting mix or compost.
- Divide overgrown perennials such as daylilies, hostas, and iris. Lift clumps, separate into smaller sections with healthy shoots and roots, then replant and water in well.
- Feed divisions and new bulbs with a balanced, low-nitrogen bulb food to jump-start root growth before the ground freezes.
Ready for What’s Next?
By following these September gardening steps—adjusting water, seeding for fall, caring for lawns, managing cleanup, and planting bulbs—you’ll bridge the gap between summer’s end and a vibrant spring ahead.
Stop by Heritage Hill Nursery for all your cool-season seedlings, bulbs, soil amendments, and expert advice. You can also browse online at heritagehillnurseryinc.com.
Here’s to a productive September and a garden that shines through every season!
