As fall settles in across the Seacoast, many gardeners begin gathering seeds and lifting tender bulbs with hopes of enjoying the same blooms and harvests next year. Proper storage is essential, especially in Zone 6b where humid summers, damp autumns, and freeze thaw cycles can quickly damage plant material. By harvesting at the right time, drying seeds well, and keeping bulbs in cool, protected spaces, you can preserve your favorite varieties for spring. A little care now ensures healthier germination, stronger blooms, and a garden that returns even better the following season.

Fall is the perfect time for Seacoast homeowners to understand what their soil truly needs. With plants slowing down and the ground still workable, gardeners in Portsmouth, Rye, and Exeter have an ideal window to take soil samples before winter sets in. Testing now removes the guesswork by revealing pH levels, nutrient deficiencies, and organic matter content, giving you months to plan smart amendments. A simple fall soil test sets the foundation for healthier planting, better growth, and a more vibrant garden when spring returns.

Winter on the Seacoast is as hard on garden containers as it is on plants. With constant freeze and thaw cycles in Zone 6b, pot materials expand, contract, and weaken, especially in coastal towns like Portsmouth, Rye, and North Hampton. Moisture, salty winds, and sudden temperature swings can cause even sturdy clay or ceramic pots to crack by spring. Preparing your containers before the first hard freeze protects both the pots you love and the plants you hope to grow next season.

Coastal winters can be tough on evergreens. Between freezing winds, salt spray, and dry air, plants like boxwood, arborvitae, and holly often emerge from winter brown and brittle. Learn how to prevent winter burn in your Seacoast garden with simple steps like deep watering, mulching, burlap wraps, and anti-desiccant sprays — so your evergreens stay green and healthy from Portsmouth to Rye and beyond.

Protect your tulips from deer, voles, and squirrels with this easy Seacoast Gardener guide to caging bulbs in coastal New Hampshire gardens. Learn how hardware cloth keeps your plantings safe through winter, with local tips for Portsmouth, Rye, Hampton, and Exeter gardeners who want thriving spring color without critter damage.

Planting bulbs on the New Hampshire Seacoast is both art and science. Learn how to plant daffodils, tulips, and alliums at the right depth, spacing, and pattern for stunning spring color in coastal gardens. From Portsmouth to Rye and Exeter, discover expert gardening tips for healthy bulbs, improved soil, and long-lasting blooms that thrive in Zone 6b’s unique seaside conditions.