Orchids on display at the main exhibit of the 2018 Flower Show in Philadelphia.
Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
Prepare Your Garden for Winter with Tips from Horticulturist Erica Jo Schaffer
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Asia Tabb
Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
Orchids on display at the main exhibit of the 2018 Flower Show in Philadelphia.
AIRED; October 20, 2025
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.
As the temperatures dip and leaves begin to fall, gardeners have plenty to think about beyond raking. Horticulturist Erica Jo Schaefer joined The Spark to share her expertise on preparing gardens for winter and ensuring a vibrant spring. “The bulbs should be being planted right now and you can plant as long as the ground isn’t frozen. You could even be planting bulbs on Thanksgiving Day,” Erica explained. For Pennsylvania gardeners, she recommends snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, and tulips—while noting that deer preferences can influence what you plant.
Fall is also a critical time for perennials and shrubs. Erica emphasizes thoughtful trimming: “It’s a personal choice and it’s awareness… whenever we’re so neat about what our garden looks in the autumn and as it goes into winter, Mother Nature’s not out in the woods cutting things down. Those broken branches are where little bees are hiding in the hollow stems.” She also shared tips for fertilizing and watering: “Watering thoroughly once a week until it’s just too cold is a really good idea for survival… and adding Espoma Flower Tone or Holly Tone supports the earthworms and mycorrhizae that help your plants thrive next year.”
Beyond aesthetics, Erica encourages gardeners to consider wildlife and winter habitat. Leaving certain perennials standing provides seeds for birds and shelter for insects, while careful pruning and proper soil preparation ensure healthy growth come spring. With these strategies, gardeners can balance beauty, sustainability, and wildlife stewardship in their fall garden routines.
