Winter signals the official end of the gardening season, however most people could benefit from preparing their garden during the off-season. Some gardeners greatly look forward to Winter since they can receive new seeds in the mail, and have more time because of the minimal plant growth to get their whole garden cleaned up. While others may resent the cold months ahead, the resourceful gardener would be wise to take advantage of this time.
After you have cleaned the plant beds from debris, changes to your garden such as plant placement and spacing are much easier. It is wise to add a healthy layer of mulch, roughly 4 to 6 inches, to your perennial beds as insulation for the cold. If you have perennial bulbs that are too fragile to withstand a winter season, it is best to dig them up and store them in a cool area such as a cellar, basement or garage. If you want to start the spring with some nutrient rich soil, be sure to add your pest free material to a compost bin.
It is a good idea to get your trees professionally pruned and topped in winter time. This can allow more light to reach the shallow-growing plants below your trees. Both trees and shrubs should get a warm layer of mulch around their base so their roots get extra protection from the cold. The same goes for roses and other woody shrubs, even evergreens can get much benefit from a ring of mulch or a burlap wrap around the base of the plant. This can prevent frostbite on the roots, preventing re-planting work if the plant dies.
Many smart gardeners will also use the off-season (Winter) to perform any necessary tool maintenance such as sharpening, cleaning, oiling or possibly replacing worn out or broken tools. The value of having the proper tools for any job cannot be understated. It is important to drain and disconnect water hoses, and store them for the winter.
Many seeds can be planted despite snowfall, and will bloom in the Spring. Some vegetables and flowers can be planted in peat pots inside your home with bright sunlight until the last frost of the season passes; then they can be transferred with relative ease to your outside garden. Decorative containers can make a good plant holder inside, which could later be put outside for a beautiful decorative arrangement.
The most important thing for a good Spring garden is proper planning. It does not mean that you have to many acres of land or millions of dollars to have a beautiful garden; rather, having good research into what plants will be the most suitable for the personal garden. With the proper set up, there can be a bountiful Spring garden in your future once everything takes root.
After you have cleaned the plant beds from debris, changes to your garden such as plant placement and spacing are much easier. It is wise to add a healthy layer of mulch, roughly 4 to 6 inches, to your perennial beds as insulation for the cold. If you have perennial bulbs that are too fragile to withstand a winter season, it is best to dig them up and store them in a cool area such as a cellar, basement or garage. If you want to start the spring with some nutrient rich soil, be sure to add your pest free material to a compost bin.
It is a good idea to get your trees professionally pruned and topped in winter time. This can allow more light to reach the shallow-growing plants below your trees. Both trees and shrubs should get a warm layer of mulch around their base so their roots get extra protection from the cold. The same goes for roses and other woody shrubs, even evergreens can get much benefit from a ring of mulch or a burlap wrap around the base of the plant. This can prevent frostbite on the roots, preventing re-planting work if the plant dies.
Many smart gardeners will also use the off-season (Winter) to perform any necessary tool maintenance such as sharpening, cleaning, oiling or possibly replacing worn out or broken tools. The value of having the proper tools for any job cannot be understated. It is important to drain and disconnect water hoses, and store them for the winter.
Many seeds can be planted despite snowfall, and will bloom in the Spring. Some vegetables and flowers can be planted in peat pots inside your home with bright sunlight until the last frost of the season passes; then they can be transferred with relative ease to your outside garden. Decorative containers can make a good plant holder inside, which could later be put outside for a beautiful decorative arrangement.
The most important thing for a good Spring garden is proper planning. It does not mean that you have to many acres of land or millions of dollars to have a beautiful garden; rather, having good research into what plants will be the most suitable for the personal garden. With the proper set up, there can be a bountiful Spring garden in your future once everything takes root.
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