Should you cut ferns down in the fall or let them freeze and fall down on their own. My husband wants to cut them down and I think they should be left alone.
OH, you're asking us to get involved in a domestic dispute? That's dangerous territory! But hopefully your husband's not big and mean and can't find me - so I will side with you. As ugly as it is, the dried fronds may provide some protection for stem and roots until spring when you can clean it all up and watch those beautiful green new leaves appear.
I have an autumn fern that I purchased this spring and used as a container plant. The plant is beautiful and has thrived in its pot through the summer. Now, with winter around the corner, I am concerned about losing it and want to transfer it into the garden. Is this a good time to do so - early October? Please help - I don't want to lose this plant! Mary Reeder mreederco@comcast.net
They can be transplanted at any time, but to ensure the best chance of survival, and to prevent damage, it is best to transplant in spring. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/transplanting-ferns.htm
should I apply gypson to the soil? How and when should I do this?
You can at any time, however I recommend spring for best results. I actually prefer something called dolomitic lime, which will serve your intended purpose. This product will supplement calcium, magnesium, and control the pH of your soil, and it can also be applied at any time.
When is the best time of year to plant fern plugs?
ou can transplant them almost any time that it isn't freezing, or hot and dry.
The best time is early spring before they leaf out, though. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/transplanting-ferns.htm
I have a large fern bed that comes back every Spring. I live in Oklahoma & have cut them off now but there are quite a few spike type stems with seed looking things on the top that grow in kind of a spiral pattern. Do I need to leave these or can I cut them down also?
You can cut these, although they contain spores. Ferns actually do not propagate by seed, rather, they send spores like a fungus would. Here is an article with more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/rusty-looking-fern-leaves.htm
I'd like ferns that will grow to 3-4 ft. Any ideas for a spring 2019 planting? Thanks, gary
There are, actually, several choices that you have here. This article will help to get you started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/growing-ferns-in-zone-5.htm
The type w/ the small white berries......Can they survive outside in Midwest winters, where temp's can get as low as -20 degrees F. Thank you.
I'm not certain as to the fern you mentioned. Are the leaves long and single bladed? Flower spike emerging from the center, and growing berries on these? As soon as I am able to identify the plant you are referring to I will be able to make a better judgement call. Can you include a picture?