IT'S ALL ABOUT MUMS

Presently in the gardens, the mums are among the only thing blooming.  Unlike the other perennials, the freezing weather hasn't hurt them at all.  In fact, it has only increased their beauty!  Some frequently asked questions people ask me about garden mums are answered in this post:

• The best time to plant mums is in the early spring, after the last frost date in your area.
• You can get your mums for your local garden center, or large home stores.  I order mine from KINGS MUMS, out of Oregon;  I highly recommend them.
• Mums don't require special soils, although they do especially well in a slightly acid soil.  They like well-drained soil.  Added organic matter and compost makes them happy.  Kings recommends using a fertilizer like Osmocote after planting, as well as a little super phosphate for strong root development.
• Mums need full sun to thrive.  The very minimum amount is 3 hours of strong lighting to produce strong, bushy plants.
• Mums need about the same amount of water as your lawn when first planted, about an inch a week. September and October months, when they are blooming, they require water about 3 times a week.
• If you want short, bushy plants, early in the season, when the plants are about 6" tall, pinch or prune off about an inch from the top of each stem.  This will force new growth from every stem.  Continue to do this until July 4.  this makes a short, bushy plant.
• Mums make fabulous blooms in floral arrangements. Their vase life is very long, and their vivid colors and fresh scent make them one of the best choices for arrangements. 
• Garden mums are hardy.  They will come back each year for beautiful blooms in the fall.  After they have finished blooming, cut them down to the new little sets of leaves that come up in the fall at their base, and cover with a protection of leaves, or other organic matter.  (I only do this their first year).
• The most important thing--ENJOY!  Mums are wonderful, colorful, easy-to-grow perennials that you will love having in your flower beds to enjoy year after year!