After a winter freeze, the garden may have a few plants looking like they’ve seen better days, but underneath the dead and bruised leaves is a plant that just needs some time to heal. Check out this article from the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition for tips on helping the garden recover after a freeze.
- Brown doesn’t mean it’s dead! Don’t cut back or pull up the plants just yet.
- The dead parts of the plant can act as a barrier and protect the plant from freezing temperatures before the end of winter.
- Help your plant recover.
- Slimy leaves will need a trim, as they can lead to infection and rot.
- For dried, dead leaves and stalks – cut back the dead material in spring (late February or March) after new shoots have started lower down on the plant.
- Evaluate at the end of the season which plants did well, and which didn’t. If you’re planning to replace the ones that didn’t come back, consider planting native.
Why does it matter? It saves you time and money and, in the end, water when planting native, locally adapted species that require less maintenance and water.