Winter is coming, and you’re probably taking time to get plenty of cozy blankets and weatherstripping to ensure that the inside of your home is as cozy and warm as possible, but what about your garden? Since it’s outdoors, your yard really could benefit from some TLC over the winter months, if you want it to be in good shape when spring rolls around, anyway. So, it makes sense to do what you can to take good care of your garden when winter rolls around. Here’s how you can do just that:
1 Protect Your Plants – Because They Deserve Blankets Too
Just like you wouldn’t go out in a snowstorm without a coat, your plants need protection from the cold. Invest in some frost covers or even use old bedsheets (a win for recycling!) to cover delicate plants when temperatures drop. If you’re feeling fancy, you can wrap smaller shrubs with burlap to shield them from icy winds. Basically, think of it as tucking your garden in for a long winter’s nap.
2 Keep Watering – But Don’t Drown Anything
It’s easy to forget about watering when everything looks frozen solid, but your plants still need hydration. The trick is not to overdo it. Water in the morning so your plants can absorb what they need before temperatures drop in the evening, and be sure to check the soil moisture every now and then. If the ground feels bone-dry, it’s time to break out the hose (or watering can if you want to feel like a proper gardener).
1 Don’t Forget the Pool – Yes, Really
I know what you’re thinking: “This is about my garden, not my pool.” But stay with me here. If you’ve got a pool, especially an above-ground one, now’s the time to stock up on pool supply essentials to keep it in good condition over winter. Why? Because come spring, when you want to jump back in, you don’t want to be stuck with a swampy mess. Keeping your pool in good shape with some winterizing chemicals and a sturdy pool cover will save you from dealing with a green lagoon while you’re also trying to revive your garden.
4 Mulch: Your Garden’s Cozy Blanket
Mulch is like giving your garden a cozy comforter to snuggle under for the winter. Spreading a nice thick layer of mulch around your plants and over your garden beds helps lock in moisture, regulates soil temperature, and even prevents weeds from making a winter debut. Plus, it breaks down and enriches your soil while you binge-watch holiday movies – talk about multitasking!
5 Prune Away – But Don’t Go Overboard
Winter is the perfect time to prune away dead or damaged branches, especially if you want to avoid them breaking under the weight of snow. But here’s the thing: don’t go snip-happy. Focus on removing the stuff that’s truly in need of trimming, and leave the rest for spring, when your plants are actively growing and can handle the makeover.
Winter can be harsh on your yard, but it doesn’t have to be, not if you do all of the above, anyway!
