***This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Beaufort County Volunteer Master Gardener***
Gardening often comes with its fair share of folklore—tips passed down from neighbors, snippets overheard at the garden center, or “rules” we assume are true because we’ve always done things a certain way. Fall and winter, in particular, seem to generate persistent myths that can keep gardeners from making the most of the season. Let’s bust a few of the most common misconceptions and look at the science behind them.Myth #1: You can’t plant trees or shrubs in cold weather
Many people believe planting is only for spring. While spring planting is common, fall is actually one of the best times to install trees, shrubs, and perennials. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on new plants, and rainfall is often more reliable.What’s happening underground tells the real story: soil in eastern North Carolina remains warm well into December, allowing roots to establish even while the tops of plants appear dormant. By the time spring arrives, fall-planted trees already have a head start, making them better prepared for summer heat.
So go ahead—plant that red maple, oakleaf hydrangea, or bed of native asters this fall. Just water them in well and mulch to protect the roots.Myth #2: Leaves always need to be bagged and hauled away
Crisp fall days bring piles of leaves—and the temptation to rake, bag, and send them to the curb. But leaves aren’t waste; they’re a valuable resource for your garden.When shredded and used as mulch, leaves help conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as they decompose. Left in wooded areas or garden beds, they provide vital habitat for overwintering pollinators, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Even salamanders and toads rely on leaf litter for shelter.
If you prefer a tidy lawn, run over leaves with a mulching mower to chop them finely. They’ll filter into the grass and feed your turf as a natural fertilizer. By rethinking leaves as an asset rather than a nuisance, you save landfill space and improve your soil at the same time.Myth #3: Frost means the garden season is over
The first frost may blacken tomatoes and zinnias, but it doesn’t mean the garden is finished. Many cool-season vegetables—like kale, collards, spinach, carrots, and garlic—actually thrive in chilly weather. Some greens even taste sweeter after a touch of frost, thanks to natural sugars that act as plant antifreeze.Perennials such as hellebores, camellias, and winter jasmine bring color through the cold months, while woody plants continue to provide structure and texture. Even bare branches sparkle when outlined in frost or snow. Rather than viewing frost as an ending, think of it as a seasonal transition that highlights different garden stars.Myth #4: You should prune trees and shrubs in fall
It’s tempting to tidy up the landscape as leaves drop, but fall is not the best time for most pruning. When plants are cut back in autumn, they may push out tender new growth that can be damaged by winter cold. Worse, pruning wounds heal more slowly in fall, leaving openings for disease.The general rule: wait until late winter or very early spring to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs. The exception is removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which can be done any time. For flowering shrubs, remember the “bloom on old wood, bloom on new wood” rule—azaleas and dogwoods should be pruned right after they bloom, while crape myrtles and roses can be shaped in late winter.Myth #5: Adding fertilizer in late fall helps plants through winter
Many gardeners sprinkle fertilizer around their shrubs and trees in late fall, hoping to give them a “boost” before winter. In reality, most plants are slowing down for the season, storing energy in roots rather than pushing out new leaves. Applying fertilizer now can encourage tender growth that won’t survive cold weather.Instead, focus on adding compost or shredded leaves to improve soil health. Think of fall as a time to feed the soil, not the plant. Your trees, shrubs, and perennials will be better prepared for robust growth when spring returns.Myth #6: Garden beds should be cleaned until bare soil shows
We often think a neat garden means cutting everything back to the ground and leaving bare soil for winter. But stripping beds too clean robs wildlife of food and shelter. Birds rely on seedheads from coneflowers, sunflowers, and grasses. Hollow stems provide safe nesting spots for solitary bees.Rather than cutting everything down, try leaving some seedheads and stems standing until spring. You can still neaten pathways and trim flopping plants, but a little “messiness” is ecologically valuable. Your garden will buzz with life again more quickly in spring if you leave some habitat in place.Myth #7: Poinsettias are deadly poisonous
No holiday season is complete without poinsettias, yet many families avoid them out of fear for pets or children. While it’s true the milky sap can irritate skin and cause mild stomach upset if eaten, poinsettias are not deadly. Studies by Ohio State University and the National Capital Poison Center show they are far less toxic than commonly believed.Still, common sense applies: keep them out of reach of curious pets, and wash hands after handling the leaves or stems. But there’s no need to banish poinsettias from your holiday décor.Embracing the Season
Gardening myths often come from a kernel of truth, but with science and observation we can make better choices for our landscapes. Fall and winter are not “dead seasons” but important times of rest, renewal, and preparation. Roots grow, soils rejuvenate, and wildlife depends on us to leave habitat in place.As you look out at your garden this November and December, remember: you don’t have to bag every leaf, prune every shrub, or stop planting just because the calendar says winter. By letting go of a few myths, you can enjoy your garden in new ways and set the stage for a thriving spring.Suggested Reading
- Linda Chalker-Scott, The Informed Gardener – myth-busting research from a horticulture professor
- Jeff Gillman, The Truth About Garden Remedies – a science-based look at common garden lore
- Doug Tallamy, Nature’s Best Hope – a call to support biodiversity, even in small backyards
