As fall comes to an end and the cold winter chill starts creeping in, it is time to prepare your outdoor space for the upcoming winter months. In this blog post we will show you how to winterize your garden the right way.
Winterizing your garden is important to ensure that your plants, soil, and garden remain healthy and ready to bloom when spring arrives. Here are ten easy steps that you can do in your small garden to keep it thriving!
This blog post is all about how to winterize your garden.
1. Clean Up Your Garden
Cleaning up your garden will keep your plants from harm in the upcoming chilly months. Start by removing any weeds, dead leaves and any debris. Take this time to remove any plants that you know will not come back in the spring (such as annuals)
2. Prune and Trim Your Plants
While you are cleaning your garden beds, be sure to take your pruning shears and cut off any dead parts of your plant. This will ensure that when your plant starts to grow again in the spring that the shape of your plants will be in tact.
BEST PRUNING SHEARS:
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3. Prepare Your Soil
Be sure that your soil is healthy for the winter months by adding compost or manure. This makes sure that your plants have added nutrients during the tough winters.
CHECK OUT THESE GARDEN COMPOST DO AND DONT’S
4. Mulch Your Garden Beds
Make sure your garden beds roots are protected before the first freeze. Apply a layer of mulched leaves, hay, straw or compost on the base of your larger plants and perennials. The mulch will keep the garden bed warmer and help retain water.
5. Protect Delicate Plants From Snow
Be sure to protect any delicate plants like your perennials before snowfall. Cover them in burlap or plant covers.
BEST PLANT COVERS:
WHAT PLANTS NEED TO BE PROTECTED:
- POTTED PLANTS
- EVERGREEN SHRUBS
- BOXWOODS
- NEWLY PLANTED TREES (1 YEAR OR LESS)
6. Watering the Garden
Before the first freeze (32-36 degrees), be sure to water your plants at least once a week. This will ensure your plants are hydrated before they face the cold temperatures.
Don’t forget to shut your irrigation systems!
7. Don’t Forget Your Potted Plants
If you have plants in containers or pots try to move them to a sheltered area to keep them protected from the cold. We suggest moving them into a shed or garage or even planting them in the ground to stay warm. We put our potted plants behind the shed so they aren’t affected by the wind as much. Don’t forget to mulch these plants too!
8. Check Garden Structures
Be sure to bring in any trellises, garden swings or garden benches that won’t make it through the winter. We had a wooden garden swing we did not bring in and it was destroyed from the cold temperatures. Add support to the plants or garden structures as needed.
9. Monitor and Prevent Pest Infestations
Look for signs of pests and damage from pests. Some insects lay eggs in the soil during the winter which can be detrimental to the plants growth in the spring. This is crucial especially in your vegetable garden!
10. Plan Ahead
Now that your plants are ready to withstand the cold temperature. Use the downtime in the winter to look up what plants will thrive in your garden and plan for new plants. We always note what plants did well and what the conditions were like in that area so we know what to buy next year!
By taking these steps to winterize your garden, you’ll be safeguarding your plants, soil, and structures from the harsh winter elements. With proper care and preparation, your garden will thrive and bring you joy when the warmer weather returns. Happy gardening!
This blog post was all about winterize your garden.
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