Planting Before the First Frost in Wisconsin

Perennials - Care, Planting, Seasonal Tips

In our neck of the woods, Southeastern Wisconsin, fall planting for perennials, flowers and trees is really perfect.  

On average the first frost runs sometime between September 30 to October 30. Fall offers many benefits for planting, not the least of which is the warm soil under the surface to allows root structures to flourish, whereas with spring planing, only a few inches deep the ground may still be quite cool and even still retain a frost line. 

Plus fall weather often offers fewer rainy, soggy days;  (although we have had our share this year!), but generally adequate rainfall; the garden pests are reduced; and you should have no need of fertilizer – wait until spring to fertilize. As with any new planting, if the rain is not there, then, make sure to water your new growth so it receives at least an inch of water every week before the colds sets in. 

A double whammy is that here at Heritage Hill we have our end of the season special discounts. Right now buy 4 potted trees and get the 5th absolutely free. Come October, we’ll be offering another planting opportunity.. visit us then as well, to see what you may want to add to your fall planting plans! 

 

 Take advantage of our
October whopper deals!

[coupon couponid=”1194″ coupon_align=”cctor_aligncenter” name=”October Coupon”]

AND 50% Off of all Balled & Burlap Trees! 

 

 

 

Planting Trees in September in Wisconsin

Seasonal Tips, Trees - Planting & Care

Fall Planting of Diciduous Trees 

Many experts claim that planting trees in fall is better. In fall, the tree can make new roots without having to feed the leaves. Water requirements are much lower without the leaves on the tree. To us it feels cool in fall, but that is actually the best temperature for root growth. Roots grow best in cool soil.

A fall planting allows the tree to grow roots in fall and again early spring before leaves develop. This gives the tree a good chance to lay down a good set of roots before they need to collect water and nutrients for the leaves.

It’s preferable to choose deciduous trees because they lose their leaves in fall, and once this happens, the requirements for water are vastly reduced. Growing roots still require water, but that is a small amount compared the what leaves use. Fall planting of deciduous trees works better because of this lower water requirement in winter.

 

Courtesy Garden Myths  More  

Questions about planting, feeding and watering? Take advantage of our knowledgeable horticulturist & owner, Jason. He is here to help you make good decisions on what will work best and how to properly tend to your new plantings. Visit the Heritage Hill Nursery and garden center now! We are conveniently located, close to Cedarburg, Jackson, West Bend, Slinger, WI.

Don’t forget! Take advantage of our
September Special Offers 

[coupon couponid=”1193″ coupon_align=”cctor_aligncenter” name=”September Coupon 2018″]

And buy 4 get 1 free
for all potted trees! 

 

 

 

 

Caring for Roses in the Fall

Seasonal Tips, Perennials - Care, Planting, Shrubs & Bushes

This week’s spotlight is the Mystic Fairy Shrub Rose.  So we putting out info courtesy of Heirloom Roses, on how to keep your rose bush healthy as we move into winter.

High temperatures may have induced a brief period of summer dormancy, especially in hotter parts of the country, but once the weather starts to cool, many roses put on a fantastic show well into fall. The change in weather often brings wind and rainy conditions; the reappearance of diseases like black spot and powdery mildew provide a reminder that next year’s success depends on putting the roses to bed for the winter.

 

10 Steps for a Healthier Spring

 

  1. Stop deadheading 8 to 10 weeks before the first frost. This will harden off roses, allowing tender new growth time to toughen prior to potentially damaging cold weather. If your roses have hips, allow them to develop naturally. You’ll be rewarded with seasonal interest.
  2. Stop transplanting and fertilizing prior to the onset of cold weather to prevent the rose from pushing new growth. No-nitrogen fertilizers intended to promote root development, such as super phosphates, are an exception to this rule and can be applied in fall and winter.
  3. Rake up and destroy all leaves at the base of roses. Do not compost, as this could spread pathogens. Many fungal diseases that affect roses overwinter on the rose or as litter on the ground. Removing this material will reduce problems the following spring.
  4. Clip off diseased leaves from the bush. Pulling leaves off can create small tears along the stem and provide an entry point for disease.
  5. Prune off failed buds (called balling) that did not open due to rainy conditions. This will help to prevent botrytis dieback.

 

Read the next 5 steps!  

 

 

 

Visit our Spotlight this week
to learn more about the gorgeous
Easy Elegance® Mystic Fairy® Rose

General Lawn Care in Late Summer

Lawn Care, Seasonal Tips

 August Lawn Care 

Proper mowing practices contribute to a healthy lawn and minimal weeds. Often lawns are mowed to closely. 

Height

  • For a typical residential Midwest lawn, maintain a height of 3 inches or higher.
    • Taller grass shades out weed seeds and keeps soil cooler.
    • Taller grass means longer roots and greater ability to withstand drought and reach nutrients.

  • Remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf tissue when you mow.

    • Mowing too short or scalping results in stress to the grass plant. Weak grass plants will take longer to recover. To maintain a 3-inch lawn, mow before the grass reaches 4.5 inches tall.

    • Mowing too short can allow weed seeds to get more sun and increase the chance of germination.
  • Water your lawn as needed
  • Establish a new lawn or renovate your current lawn. Note that mid-August to mid-September is the best time to establish a lawn in Wisconsin
  • Watch for insects, diseases, and other lawn problems
  • From late August into early October is a good time to aerate the lawn

 

Courtesy University of Minnesota Extention More

Questions about planting, feeding and watering? Take advantage of our knowledgeable horticulturist & owner, Jason. He is here to help you make good decisions on what will work best and how to properly tend to your new plantings. Visit the Heritage Hill Nursery and garden center now! We are conveniently located, close to Cedarburg, Jackson, West Bend, Slinger, WI.

Don’t forget! Take advantage of our
July Special Offers 
Good through July 31st

[coupon couponid=”678″ coupon_align=”cctor_aligncenter” name=”July Special – 2018″]

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin Yard & Garden Tips – for July

Seasonal Tips, Shrubs & Bushes

July Tips – Especially for Schrubs

 

Refrain from applying any kind of fertilizer this month as it could harm the roots.  Wait until the cooler months of fall to apply fertilizer if the plants need a nutritional boost.  This month you’ll want to keep an eye out for plant diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew, and canker.  Inspect each plant for any signs of damaging insects.  Treat diseases and infestations accordingly using an insecticidal soap and fungicide.  If you’re unsure what type to use seek the advice from one of our knowledgeable staff at Heritage Hill Nursery. 

Newly planted shrubs will need to be monitored more closely during the summer months.  It’s important to keep the ground moist but not saturated.

Mulch Matters — You may need to replenish mulches, especially those that break down quickly, such as straw or grass clippings. Mulches should be 1-3 inches.

Courtesy Better Homes & Gardens Online 

Read More About Mulching

 

Questions about planting, feeding and watering? Take advantage of our knowledgeable horticulturist & owner, Jason. He is here to help you make good decisions on what will work best and how to properly tend to your new plantings. Visit the Heritage Hill Nursery and garden center now! We are conveniently located, close to Cedarburg, Jackson, West Bend, Slinger, WI.

Only a few days for our
July Special Offers!

[coupon couponid=”678″ coupon_align=”cctor_aligncenter” name=”July Special – 2018″]

AND 20% off Lilacs! 

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash

 

 

 

Prepare for Hot Weather – Wisconsin Gardens & Lawns

Seasonal Tips, Lawn Care, Perennials - Care, Planting

Perennial Care for Late June & Early July 

Continue evaluating your garden.  You can keep planting if you have time and space.  During hot dry spells, pay extra attention to newly added plants.  Perennials need on average about an inch of water per week.  If you don’t have the time to keep up with the watering, consider mulching your beds.  Spreading mulch, being careful not to bury any plants, will help to retain moisture longer.   Prune back spring flowering plants such as bleeding hearts, to ground level.  Old stems of leggy plants such as delphiniums can be cut back to the fresh growth at the base of the plant.  This encourages new growth and prolongs flowering.  Stop pinching back asters, mums or other fall blooming plants this month.

 

Courtesy Courtesy of  Gardening in Wisconsin by Melinda Myers Revised Edition

LAWN TIPS 

Begin watering your lawn as needed for the summer. Or alternatively, do not water and allow the lawn to go dormant (i.e., turn brown) if natural rains are insufficient. It will brown, but comes back when it rains. However, keep in mind, that dry conditions for your lawn may invite hardy weeds to grow.

Early in July (e.g., around Independence Day), fertilize with a controlled-release or slow-release fertilizer.  For grass growing in the sun, use the label rate of the fertilizer that you have selected.  For grass growing in the shade, apply half of the label rate.  If your lawn has been consistently fertilized for 10 to 15 years, if you leave clippings on your lawn when you mow, or if your lawn has gone dormant, skip this application. 

Questions about planting, feeding and watering? Take advantage of our knowledgeable horticulturist & owner, Jason. He is here to help you make good decisions on what will work best and how to properly tend to your new plantings. Visit the Heritage Hill Nursery and garden center now! We are conveniently located, close to Cedarburg, Jackson, West Bend, Slinger, WI.

 

Remember to take advantage of the June Special Offers! 
Good through June 30th.[coupon couponid=”1029″ coupon_align=”cctor_aligncenter” name=”June Special Offers From Heritage Hill Nusery”]

AND 20% off all Varieties 
of Forsythias!

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