Gardening FAQs
Welcome to the Anderson's Seed & Garden FAQ page! We’ve compiled our top tips to help you keep your Cache Valley landscape thriving through the fall and prepared for the winter months.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Is October too late to plant bulbs in Northern Utah?
Not at all! October is prime planting time in Cache Valley because the soil is cooling but remains workable. You can plant tulips, daffodils, and crocus until the ground completely freezes. A frosty morning does not mean planting season is over.
How deep and far apart should I plant tulips?
Depth varies by bulb size, but a general rule is to plant them 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall, always with the pointed end up. For a brilliant display, plant clusters of 5-9 bulbs per square foot rather than scattering them individually.
How can I ensure continuous spring blooms?
Plan your garden by bloom time rather than just color. Start with early snowdrops (which can bloom right through the snow!), follow up with crocus, and finish with early, mid-season, and late-blooming tulips and daffodils.
Are any spring bulbs deer-resistant?
Daffodils are generally much less attractive to deer than tulips. However, keep in mind that when animals are hungry enough during a harsh winter, no landscape plant is entirely deer-proof.
Vegetables & Soil Care
When and how do I harvest winter squash?
Harvest mature squash before a hard freeze, as freezing temperatures drastically reduce their storage life. Look for full color, a hardened rind, and drying stems. Cut them from the vine rather than pulling, and cure them in a warm, dry place before long-term storage.
How should I store onions and potatoes?
Store only sound, mature produce. Keep properly cured onions dry with good ventilation. Potatoes prefer cool, dark conditions with enough humidity to prevent shriveling. Never store damaged produce with your long-term keepers.
What should I add to my vegetable garden soil in the fall?
Fall is excellent for working in compost, leaves, or grass clippings. Because breaking down organic matter requires energy, adding a nitrogen source helps assist decomposition. Use a soil test to guide any other nutrient amendments.
Lawn Care & Watering
How long should I keep watering in the fall?
Continue watering trees, lawns, and shrubs as needed while the soil remains unfrozen, especially during a dry autumn. Newly planted trees and evergreens desperately need this moisture to survive winter stress.
Should I aerate and fertilize my lawn in October?
Yes! Core aeration is highly beneficial in early-to-mid October to relieve soil compaction while the turf is still growing. Late October through November is the ideal window to apply Anderson's Step 5 Winterizer fertilizer to build strong winter roots.
How short should I mow before winter?
Gradually lower your mower height as the season ends. Avoid suddenly scalping the grass; leave it at a clean, appropriate height to prevent snow mold and winter damage.
Is fall a good time to reseed or overseed my lawn?
Yes, it is the best time! Early fall (late August through September) provides the perfect combination of warm soil for quick germination and cooler air temperatures that are less stressful for new cool-season grasses. If you miss this window, you can also try "dormant seeding" in late fall just before the ground freezes, which allows the seeds to lie dormant under the snow and germinate first thing in the early spring.
Do I need to water my lawn during the winter if there isn't any snow?
Occasionally, yes. While your lawn goes dormant in the winter, a prolonged dry, snowless period can cause the root systems and grass crowns to desiccate (dry out) and die. If Cache Valley experiences a dry spell lasting three to four weeks with no snow cover and above-freezing daytime temperatures, give your lawn a deep soak during the warmest part of the day to protect the turf's crowns.
Winterizing & Maintenance
When should I winterize my sprinkler system?
Winterize before sustained freezing weather hits Cache Valley. Disconnect garden hoses, protect outdoor faucets, and blow out your irrigation lines early in October to avoid unexpected freeze damage.
Should I spray my fruit trees in the fall?
Focus mostly on sanitation by removing diseased or mummified fruit from the ground. While dormant sprays are useful for certain pests, always diagnose the specific issue first and follow the product label.
Should I cut back my perennials before winter?
It depends! You should remove diseased foliage, but leaving healthy perennial stalks intact provides beautiful winter interest, protects the plant's crown from deep freezes, and offers vital habitat for beneficial overwintering insects.
Is fall a good time to prune trees and shrubs?
Generally, no. Heavy pruning in the fall can stimulate new growth that won't have time to harden off before freezing. Wait until late winter or early spring when your plants are fully dormant.
Should I apply mulch to my garden beds right now?
Yes! A 2-3 inch layer of mulch applied after the first hard freeze helps regulate soil temperature, prevents roots from frost-heaving, and retains essential winter moisture.
Planting & Plant Protection
Is fall a good time to plant new trees and shrubs?
Yes! Early to mid-fall is actually one of the best times to plant many trees and shrubs in Cache Valley. The cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant canopy, while the soil is still warm enough to encourage strong root development before winter sets in. Just make sure to water them consistently until the ground freezes.
How should I prepare my roses for a cold winter?
Stop fertilizing your roses by late summer to discourage tender new growth. After the first few hard frosts, mound soil or compost around the base of the plant (about 8-12 inches high) to protect the sensitive graft union. Wait until spring for heavy pruning; only trim excessively long canes in the fall to prevent them from snapping in heavy winter winds.
Can I leave fallen leaves on my lawn over the winter?
While you should remove excessive leaf accumulation that can smother your grass and invite snow mold, you don't necessarily have to bag them all. If the leaf layer is light, use your lawnmower to chop dry leaves into fine pieces directly on the grass. This acts as a natural mulch, returning valuable organic matter and nutrients back to your lawn. Rake thicker layers into your garden beds or compost pile.
What should I do with my potted outdoor plants?
Tender perennials and tropicals should be brought indoors before the first frost. Inspect them carefully for pests before bringing them inside. For hardy plants left in outdoor containers, remember that their roots are much more exposed to freezing temperatures than plants in the ground. Move these pots to a sheltered location, like an unheated garage or up against the house, and water them sparingly throughout the winter.
