Containers designed for summer need to be taken apart, cleaned and stored for the winter. The exceptions are containers that can withstand freezing weather – usually metal, wood and certain plastic and foam containers. Once cleaned, winter-hardy containers can be replanted for fall and winter color with small evergreens, ornamental kale, colorful grasses and perennials such as Heuchera. Remember to water planted containers into the winter because the soil in the pot will dry out on sunny days.
If you haven’t purchased your bulbs yet, grab your phone (or computer) and get your order in before they run out of choices. Plant tulips now and daffodils at the end of this month when the soil is cooler. If you have a problem with deer or rabbits eating your bulbs, keep in mind that hyacinths, like daffodils, have an irritating sap that convinces most browsers that one bite is more than enough. Top bulbs with a layer of lime --it's good for the bulbs and irritating those who are looking for something to eat!
Small bulbs – chinodoxia, crocus, grape hyacinths and others – should be planted in clusters along sidewalks or driveways where they can be appreciated up close. Some of the small bulbs such as galanthus (snowdrops) and scilla (squill) will naturalize in grassy areas providing color in early spring. Larger bulbs make a wonderful start to many beds where they bloom before the perennial flowers come up and deciduous shrubs leaf out. Their yellowing foliage will be hidden later under the new foliage of the perennials.
Some vegetables will survive light to moderate frosts. Spinach can tolerate a light frost. Members of the cabbage family such as kale and Brussels sprouts taste sweeter after expose to frost. Root crops including parsnips, salsify and even carrots and turnips can be left in the ground for later harvests, especially if protected by a light covering of straw or chopped leaves.
