Question
I planted carnations last spring that I had ordered from SpringHill. They grew very well their first year. I didn't know how to winterize them so I just left them in the ground. I didn't cut them back or anything. Did I mess up or will they grow this year? Should I cut off all the old leaves now? Help!

Answer
Hi Connie,
Thanx for your question.  If you live in zone 5 unless these are really dianthus, true carnations will not over winter in climates cooler than zone 7.  Go ahead and cut back the dead growth and wait and see if they come back.  If you're in zone 6 or warmer zone 5, they might have made it if you mulched them well.  I hope this helps.
thx,
Tom