LaFayette, N.Y. – As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, many homeowners are reaching for their pruning shears. Local gardening expert Carol Watson cautions that cutting back shrubs, trees and roses now can actually harm plants that need time to harden off before the first freeze.
Delay Pruning Until Late Winter
Watson explains that most woody plants store energy in their branches during the fall. “If you prune too early, you remove that stored food,” she says. “Plants need those reserves to survive the cold and to burst into growth when spring arrives.” She recommends waiting until late winter, after the coldest nights have passed but before new buds swell, to make clean cuts. This timing allows plants to recover more quickly and reduces the risk of winter damage.
Cardboard Mulch: An Easy Soil‑Enrichment Hack
In addition to proper pruning, Watson shares a simple, low‑cost technique for improving soil health and keeping weeds at bay. Lay flat pieces of cardboard over the garden beds, overlapping the edges, then cover the cardboard with a thin layer of compost or mulch. Over time, the cardboard breaks down, adding organic matter to the soil while blocking sunlight from weed seeds.
The method is especially useful in LaFayette’s clay‑rich soils, which can become compacted over winter. As the cardboard decomposes, it creates air pockets that improve drainage and root penetration. Home gardeners report healthier, more vigorous plants the following growing season.
Practical Steps for LaFayette Residents
- Collect clean, corrugated cardboard – avoid boxes with glossy finishes or heavy inks.
- Lay the cardboard directly on the soil, covering the entire planting area.
- Overlap edges by at least six inches to prevent gaps where weeds could emerge.
- Spread a 2‑3 inch layer of compost, shredded leaves, or straw on top.
- Water lightly to help the cardboard settle and begin breaking down.
Watson notes that the cardboard will stay in place through the winter months, protecting the soil from freeze‑thaw cycles and erosion caused by heavy rains.
Visit the Carol Watson Greenhouse
For those who need additional guidance or want to purchase quality compost, the Carol Watson Greenhouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in LaFayette. Staff can advise on the best timing for pruning specific plant varieties and recommend local soil amendments that complement the cardboard mulch technique.
By postponing pruning and using cardboard to enrich the soil, LaFayette gardeners can look forward to a thriving garden that supports families, honors the stewardship of the land, and yields abundant harvests for the next season.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
