1. In the late fall, after the first frost, cut back any flowering perennials. Be sure to leave a small amount 1 to 3 inches above the soil line.
2. Making sure your perennials stay well watered until the ground freezes is important to successful wintering. Often we go through several dry weeks in late October. If the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface, give the area a thorough soaking.
3. Lay down a 4 to 6 inch layer of mulch, leaves, wood chips or pine needles. This helps regulate the soil temperature to protect it from severe fluctuations, which could damage the plants root systems.
4. Wait until all frost is out of the ground in the spring before removing the mulch. If it gets warm out early, pull back some of the mulch but leave about 2 inches.
