How do I prepare my annuals for winter?

Annuals are the ones that come back every year right? Those are the ones I need to know about. Should I pull the dead plants once the frost gets them? Or do I just leave them alone? I'm fairly sure they've already seeded....I'm a new gardener and the house I moved into has a lovely garden and I want to maintain it!! Help!!!


Thanking you in advance, Flamingo.

How do I prepare my annuals for winter?
The garden you've inherited are probably perennials then. The annual, meaning one year, is just a filler plant with bright colors. Perennial are the plants that come back year after year. Since you don't yet know the difference between Annual or Perennial, then I would suggest that you get a friend or family member who does to take a look at your new garden to help you learn which of your plants are which. Don't worry, we all start out not knowing the difference. One thing you can keep in mind is that most garden beds are planted with perennials (come back every year) so if you can't find someone to help you then just leave the beds alone and definitely don't pull the plants until you know what they are. Just wait until spring and you will see which are perennials by their return. Then, once they've returned, all you will have to do is weed and remulch. You will also be able to fill in the bare spots with whatever you like. Oh, even if some annuals have reseeded in the beds you will be able to determine which is which because perennials typically reemerge before the annual seeds do. Also, Seeds emerge as seedlings and perennials emerge as as a mound of plant material. I hope this helps
Reply:No, annual means just that...it's annual and not perinneal. Annuals will die at the end of summer. Put some straw or light mulch on the plants you want to come back next year if you live in a cold zone.
Reply:Annuals are good for one season only. Turn them under; they'll become mulch. If they've gone to seed you might get sprouts in the spring.





Perennials come back every year. To learn about winter care of perennials, check with your local nursery advisor. (Or hop on the www for a specific plant, shrub or tree. Most perennial shrubs get pruned back in late autumn (before a freeze), but depending on your growing zone, guidelines vary.