Mum Magic – Tips to Keep Your Fall Mums Looking Great

Mum Magic – Tips to Keep Your Fall Mums Looking Great

Autumn isn’t complete without mums—but how do you keep them blooming longer? Whether you’re decorating your porch or planting them in your garden beds, these tips will help your mums thrive through late-season heat and chilly nights.



Mum Must-Knows


Sun-Soaked Beauties: Mums need at least 6 hours of sun each day to bloom at their best.


Water with Care: Keep soil evenly moist—not too dry and never soggy.


Pinch for Fullness: Early-season pinching (June–July) encourages bushier plants. Stop by mid-July so buds have time to form.


Deadhead Diligently: Removing faded blooms encourages fresh flowers and extends the season.


Resilient Garden Stars: Plant mums early in garden beds for a shot at overwintering in Zone 5, or enjoy them as potted accents for fall decor.



Extra TLC Tips


Add compost before planting to enrich the soil.


After frost, mulch around the base to insulate the roots.


Support heavy-headed mums with garden rings or stakes.


Watch for aphids and treat early if needed.



Mums are the showstoppers of fall—bursting with color and making your garden or porch instantly feel cozy. With a little care, they’ll keep your space glowing through chilly nights and crisp mornings.


🍂 Want mums that wow?



Visit The Landscape Connection for fresh fall plants and even more pro tips to make the season spectacular.


📍 The Landscape Connection

4472 S. Mulford Rd.

Rockford, IL 61109

(815) 874-8733

www.TheLandscapeConnection.net


By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden March 3, 2026
Learn how to pre-sprout ranunculus in Zone 5 for strong spring blooms. Step-by-step soaking, planting, timing, and storage tips for Northern Illinois gardeners.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden March 3, 2026
Pruning in March made simple for Zone 5 gardeners. Learn which shrubs to cut, which to leave, and how to prune without losing blooms.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden March 3, 2026
What to start indoors in March in Zone 5. A simple seed guide for vegetables, flowers, and herbs, plus timing tips to grow strong, healthy seedlings for spring planting.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden March 3, 2026
Six practical garden design foundations for Northern Illinois Zone 5 — soil, spacing, plant placement, and choosing plants that work together.
By Michelle Cox January 29, 2026
Support winter birds with easy homemade suet recipes, including bark butter, no-melt suet, and suet wreaths, plus storage and feeding tips.
Crockpot herb oil infusion using dried herbs and olive oil in glass jars.
By Michelle Cox January 29, 2026
Learn how to tell if dried herbs are still good, the best ways to use them up, and simple infusion methods for vinegars, oils, and compound butters.
By Michelle Cox January 29, 2026
A DIY seed-starting how-to for Zone 5 gardeners, including what seeds to start in February, beginner-friendly setup tips, and proven methods for healthy seedlings.
By Michelle Cox December 30, 2025
Winter sowing is an easy, eco-friendly method for starting seeds outdoors using natural freeze-thaw cycles—perfect for native plants and pollinator gardens.
By Michelle Cox December 30, 2025
Learn how to plant and care for a terrarium with simple, sustainable tips that make these mini ecosystems easy to maintain and perfect for small spaces.
By Michelle Cox December 30, 2025
Discover the benefits of houseplants, from improving air quality to boosting mental health and supporting sustainable living—perfect for winter and beyond.
Show More