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.
During this off season, more gardeners would agree that it is a good time to restore tools for the spring, by cleaning, sharpening, and oiling them; also they would take care to evaluate to see if any would need to be replaced. Watering hoses can be drained and put away to avoid freezing in the hose that could later cause damage.
Beginning the growing process inside the home can be a great way to have your plants ready for Spring planting. Using peat pots is an efficient way to get vegetables, flowers, and herbs started indoors. Make sure you have a window that receives bright sunlight, and place the plants their temporarily to get them ready for outdoor transplanting. Those indoor starter plants can be moved outdoors once the risk of freezing or frost is gone for the season. There are also seeds that can be placed directly onto the snow for a mid-spring or early summer budding.
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.
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.
During this off season, more gardeners would agree that it is a good time to restore tools for the spring, by cleaning, sharpening, and oiling them; also they would take care to evaluate to see if any would need to be replaced. Watering hoses can be drained and put away to avoid freezing in the hose that could later cause damage.
Beginning the growing process inside the home can be a great way to have your plants ready for Spring planting. Using peat pots is an efficient way to get vegetables, flowers, and herbs started indoors. Make sure you have a window that receives bright sunlight, and place the plants their temporarily to get them ready for outdoor transplanting. Those indoor starter plants can be moved outdoors once the risk of freezing or frost is gone for the season. There are also seeds that can be placed directly onto the snow for a mid-spring or early summer budding.
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.
About the Author:
Gardens depend on having the right amount of space to start off with. Various neighborhoods are built with your needs for a beautiful home and a lovely landscape for your garden.
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