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.
Gardeners can take advantage of the slow, to zero growth season of Winter to clear out dead vines and leaves for Spring preparation. Any cuttings from bushes or trees that are pest-free can be put into the compost bin, which over time can produce fertile soil; perennial bulbs would need to be dug up and stored in a cool place if they won't survive through the winter underground. Beds of perennial flowers and other plants require a layer of mulch 4-6 inches deep for protection from the cold. Once all the plant bases are cleared up, spring planting modifications can be easily made on a clean slate.
Mulch is an important element to any landscape. A thick layer should be added around trees, shrubs, roses and any other plant with shallow or fragile roots. It is important to keep trees professionally pruned, not only to maintain the health of the tree, but to also ensure the maximum amount of available sun light that can reach the area around the trees. Evergreen trees can be prepared for winter by adding a burlap wrap or mulch ring around their base.
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.
Gardening in the home often can be started despite the impeding bad weather outside. Some flowers, vegetables, and herbs can be started indoors for a few weeks before the last frost of the season ends. Peat pots make good temporary containers for growing plants inside the house with bright sunlight. Once the risk of frost has passed, they can then be transferred into the garden. Some seeds can be sown right on top of the snow for blooming in mid-spring or early summer. Spring does not have to be the only time to start planting.
Everything requires planning; do not wait until Spring is here to start on garden preparations or else one might get off to a rocky start. An attractive garden does not mean that it has to be on a large plot of land, nor does it require millions of dollars. Just a little pre-Spring planning and research on suitable plants for your garden will help make any individual's space gorgeous and comforting. Do the planting and prep, then nature will do the rest to give you a beautiful garden in Spring.
Gardeners can take advantage of the slow, to zero growth season of Winter to clear out dead vines and leaves for Spring preparation. Any cuttings from bushes or trees that are pest-free can be put into the compost bin, which over time can produce fertile soil; perennial bulbs would need to be dug up and stored in a cool place if they won't survive through the winter underground. Beds of perennial flowers and other plants require a layer of mulch 4-6 inches deep for protection from the cold. Once all the plant bases are cleared up, spring planting modifications can be easily made on a clean slate.
Mulch is an important element to any landscape. A thick layer should be added around trees, shrubs, roses and any other plant with shallow or fragile roots. It is important to keep trees professionally pruned, not only to maintain the health of the tree, but to also ensure the maximum amount of available sun light that can reach the area around the trees. Evergreen trees can be prepared for winter by adding a burlap wrap or mulch ring around their base.
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.
Gardening in the home often can be started despite the impeding bad weather outside. Some flowers, vegetables, and herbs can be started indoors for a few weeks before the last frost of the season ends. Peat pots make good temporary containers for growing plants inside the house with bright sunlight. Once the risk of frost has passed, they can then be transferred into the garden. Some seeds can be sown right on top of the snow for blooming in mid-spring or early summer. Spring does not have to be the only time to start planting.
Everything requires planning; do not wait until Spring is here to start on garden preparations or else one might get off to a rocky start. An attractive garden does not mean that it has to be on a large plot of land, nor does it require millions of dollars. Just a little pre-Spring planning and research on suitable plants for your garden will help make any individual's space gorgeous and comforting. Do the planting and prep, then nature will do the rest to give you a beautiful garden in Spring.
About the Author:
New homeowners in OKC can get the perfect new house for a beautiful Spring garden!
No comments:
Post a Comment