Winterizing Your Garden: A Guide to Securing Your Greens
Protecting a garden for the winter involves remembering certain steps and taking precautions to ensure the health and survival of your plants. Here's a guide to help you through the process.
Firstly, it's important to understand the impact of frost and freezing conditions on your garden. Frost occurs when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), and can cause injury to plants, compromising their health and bountifulness. A hard freeze, happening when temperatures are between 25 to 28°F (-4 to -2°C), can be particularly destructive to vegetation.
To prepare your garden for winter, start by draining and removing ceramic watering systems indoors. This is to prevent any potential damage from frost. Moist soil provides more heat for plants during winter, but it's essential to be mindful of watering. Winter watering is important to maintain plant health and protect plants during cold snaps. However, it's recommended to water 24 hours before hard-freezing weather arrives.
Removing spent plants is another crucial step. This protects the garden from pests and diseases that may overwinter in dead vegetation. Dead and rotting plants should be cleaned up to prevent the spread of disease.
Organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or manure, can be used to protect the soil. Spread one to two inches thick, this layer will help keep the soil healthy and prevent erosion, while also providing a habitat for beneficial organisms.
Learning about hardy house plants that can be planted and taken care of during the winter season is also beneficial. These plants can add colour and life to your indoor space during the colder months.
Newly planted trees are prone to southwest injury or sunscald, requiring extra attention. Shake newly planted trees gently to determine if they need staking for stability. If necessary, stake or tie sensitive trees for additional support during winter.
Investing in a trusted thermometer and barometer is an effective first step to understanding the weather. This will help you anticipate and prepare for cold snaps and frosty conditions.
Lastly, remember to compost dead vegetation, free of mold, blight, or mildew, to improve soil health for the next growing season. By following these steps, you can protect your water features, plants, and soil, and ensure a bountiful garden come spring.
