Gardening After Frost

Miscanthus in winter

Most of our area saw its first frost last weekend --- right on schedule. The first frost of fall typically occurs during the first week of November in southeastern coastal North Carolina.
With frost, many plants stop growing, changing the gardener’s palette of gardening chores. 

You do not have to cut back ornamental grasses and perennials as soon as frost turns them brown. Many, like this Miscanthus (also known as maiden grass) remain attractive even after frost and add interest to the winter landscape.  


Winter is a resting time for most houseplants so wait until spring to divide or repot. If you need to trim your plants back a little that is fine, but wait until spring to do any severe pruning. Cut back on watering and fertilization through the winter since houseplants will not be actively growing. Houseplants often shed leaves when they are moved inside as they adjust to lower light levels. This is normal and should only last for a few weeks. If your plants continue to shed leaves weeks after being brought inside you may be overwatering.   

For more timely gardening tips, read the rest of the article on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+155 .