The weather is starting to get chilly, which means it’s time to prep your garden for winter and protect your plants. Of course, if you choose to ignore winter preparations, the world will not come to an end, but you risk losing your less hardy and younger plants to severe cold, and also face a more daunting garden preparation chore in the spring. It’s well worth spending the extra time in your garden before winter takes hold.
Clean up weeds
Start your clean-up by removing weeds and any dead plants from your beds. For shrubs and trees, remove diseased leaves, but pruning is not recommended in the fall as it may stimulate new growth just as the harsh winter is bearing down. Make sure you wear durable work gloves (like these) to protect your hands when you’re removing weeds and leaves.
Start your compost bin
If you don’t already have a compost bin, consider starting one at this time. You can throw your cuttings as well as dried leaves in your compost bin, which will break down into a nutrient-rich compost for next season. Don’t throw weeds or diseased cuttings into your compost, however, as this will only multiply these problems down the road.
Remove blubs
Non-hardy bulbs should be removed from the ground. Let the bulbs dry out for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place for the winter, such as a garage or basement.
It’s a good time, too, for dividing perennials. Division not only maintains the health of your perennials, but it’s also an easy way to propagate your plants so that you’ll have more coverage next season.
Mulch
Often you hear recommendations about mulching around trees and shrubs before winter hits, but rodents like to move into these cushy, warm piles to spend the winter, and snack on the bark of the trees and shrubs you’re trying to protect. This can be much more damaging than typical winter damage, so I’m not a big fan of that theory.
If it’s a rose or plant that really needs that extra protection, don’t bury it in mulch, use soil. Soil does a better job of insulation delicate plants from both cold and pests and also prevents soil erosion. Don’t mulch with soil too early, though, as it may encourage disease and pests. It is best to wait until after the first frost when the ground starts to freeze. Check out Bog Boots for keeping your feet warm and dry when you’re mulching. In general, 4 to 6 inches of soil mulch will provide an adequate layer of protection.
Watering
It’s a good idea to water your garden thoroughly before the ground freezes. Even with snow, winter can be very dry and harsh for many trees and shrubs, such as evergreens, so it’s best to provide them with a large supply of moisture before the extreme winter weather arrives.
Cleaning and Storing Tools
Once your cleaning and cutting is done, it’s time to give some love and care to your tools. Clean, oil, and sharpen your tools, then store them in a dry place for the winter. Drain garden hoses and store them coiled in a sheltered place where they won’t freeze and crack. It’s a little extra work, but come spring, you’ll be delighted to pull out your tools that are ready to go to work with no fuss or muss.
