To prepare goldenrod for winter, I always make sure to follow a few steps. First and foremost, goldenrods thrive in full sun or partial shade, so I make sure to plant them in a location that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. This helps them to grow and establish strong roots before winter arrives.
In terms of maintenance, I find it important to cut down the goldenrods in winter to a height of about 1-2 inches. This helps to keep them tidy and encourages new growth in the following spring. Plus, when the goldenrods are cut down, they form a dense, low groundcover during the winter months, adding some visual interest to the garden.
One of the great things about goldenrods is that they are drought-resistant, which is especially beneficial in our area where water can be scarce during the winter months. I usually don’t need to worry about watering them during this time, as they are able to withstand dry conditions. This makes them a low-maintenance plant to have in the garden.
Another advantage of goldenrods is that they are deer-resistant. Living in an area where deer are often seen roaming around, it’s a relief to know that my goldenrods won’t become a tasty snack for these animals. This is an important consideration for many gardeners, as deer can cause significant damage to plants.
To summarize, preparing goldenrods for winter involves ensuring they are planted in a sunny or partially shaded location, cutting them down to a height of 1-2 inches in winter, and taking advantage of their drought and deer resistance. By following these steps, I have found that goldenrods thrive and continue to add beauty to my garden year after year.