The Fall Porch & How to Over-Winter Mums

It's officially Fall! The Fall Equinox is here, so it's time to get the Fall decorating into full swing.  For my birthday last month, my kids sent me this adorable wagon for the garden. 

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this:

Yes, there was some assembly required, but it really didn't take too long.  The directions looked worse than they actually were! 

I decided it belonged on the front porch along with my Shabby Planter that I've had for a few years:

I also decided to keep the Stepladder out for a few more weeks:

Since we moved into a new Cottage and all the mums I've overwintered are probably blooming at the old Cottage, it was time to stock up!  All of the ones you see will be overwintered and planted in the ground next Spring. I never plant them in the ground in the Fall because they just don't have enough time to establish roots.  Here's what I do:

Over-Winter Mums:

First, if frost is expected but the daytime temperatures will be warmer, I bring them in at night and put them back out the next day.  Usually, when we get to November, it's time to bring them in for the winter.  

All of the plants are cut down to approximately 1"-2".  

They are brought inside and stored in the basement.  It's cool there, but above freezing.  

I keep them watered, but not wet, until early Spring, when I bring them upstairs.  

Once the danger of frost has passed, I plant them in the ground.  They will now have plenty of time to establish roots before Winter comes around again.  

They flower for Fall and when the frost hits, I cover them with leaves and mulch to protect them over the Winter.

It's that easy!  If you do this year after year, you will have a beautiful collection of mums in your Fall Garden.

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Over the Moon