Old Man Winters’ arrival doesn’t mean that your garden chores are done. There are some steps you need to take to make sure your garden is healthy for the spring.
Follow a few of these winter garden tips to ensure your spring garden a good, healthy start.
TIME TO CLEAN UP
Clean up the garden. Make sure that any garden trash (leaves, stems and weeds) are picked up before the first snow.
If this “trash” is left behind, it presents an opportunity for bacteria growth, and possible spread of disease, which is a big danger to your spring garden.
If you have shrubs or bushes in your garden, be sure to check for and remove any broken or damaged stems or branches.
To finish up, place a mound of mulch around the base of each plant to provide some insulation to the root system and give each plant a big drink of water.
PROTECT YOUR SHRUBS AND BUSHES
If you look at many winter gardens, you may notice that people have wrapped burlap or some other material around their evergreen shrubs.
Generally, this is to prevent a snow build up, high winds and freezing temperatures from damaging your plants.
You can use burlap garden fabric or one of the other products that are sold to cover plants, you can find these products online or in garden centers.
Just be sure the plants aren’t wrapped too tight, this will reduce the air circulation.
DON'T FORGET THE TREES
Be sure to check your trees and remove any damaged, diseased or broken limbs and branches to prevent damage to the tree or your property.
LIST OF GARDEN WINTERIZING SUPPLIES
- Burlap garden fabric or another protective wrap
- Garden rake
- Mulch
- Pruning shears
- Small handheld rake