Prepare Your Garden to Survive Winter

 

Protect Your Plants from Harsh Conditions

Not all plants survive winter unscathed. Some need extra protection against freezing temperatures and drying winds.  Wrap sensitive shrubs with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from windburn and ice damage. 

Mulching is one of the best ways to protect roots. A thick layer (about 3-4 inches) of organic mulch like straw, shredded bark, or leaves insulates soil temperature fluctuations and retains moisture. Avoid piling mulch directly against stems or trunks to prevent rot.

Container plants need special care too—move them indoors or into sheltered spots if possible. If not feasible, wrap pots with insulating materials like bubble wrap or burlap.

Understand the weather

Use thermometers and barometers to track the temperature and know when bad weather is approaching. Thermometers should be placed in an area without any direct sunlight for an accurate reading. A barometer is needed to gauge changes in atmospheric pressure, as rapid fluctuation is a sign of unstable weather. Another easy way to note atmospheric pressure is to pay attention to birds. If they’re flying low to the ground, barometric pressure is low. High-flying birds indicate higher barometric pressure. 

Prevent constant freezing and thawing

The constant freezing and thawing of plants can be as harmful as cold temperatures. Use mulch to limit damage by spreading three inches of mulch on the ground surrounding plants to help maintain a constant temperature. Then, cover with netting, chicken wire, or tree branches to protect from wind. But remember that once a plant has been damaged by frost, it most likely cannot be saved and the smartest move is to simply remove it from your garden. Keep soil healthy when it warms up by learning how to compost.

Cover crop

Another option is to sow cover crops, such as winter rye, to improve your soil.  For vegetable gardens, another option is to simply cover your garden beds with black plastic or a layer of cardboard or even an old carpet, leaving it in place through the winter season and up until you’re ready to plant in spring. This will kill existing weeds and subdue sprouting seeds.

Prepare your plants

Water your perennial flowers and flowering shrubs in the fall; they will thank you for it this winter.

Many perennials can be left to be cut back in the spring, especially those with bountiful seedheads such as coneflowers or rudbeckia. However, there are some perennials that are best cut back to avoid spreading diseases—such as powdery mildew—especially bee balm, phlox, and hostas.  When cutting back, wait until the ground has frozen hard and the foliage has died. Leave about 3 inches of stem and mulch them with a thick layer of leaves or straw.

Small Plants

If you know bad weather is around the corner and want to protect your small plants, cover them with a plastic bag, cardboard box, upside-down flowerpot, or even a plastic laundry basket to protect them. Whatever covering you choose, make sure to weigh it down with a stone or a brick. Or, drape a thick blanket or quilt over plants before nightfall to trap soil heat and protect plants from light frost. We’ll go ahead and add “blanket” to our list of must-have garden tools!

Protect early-blooming trees

Prevent damage to early-blooming trees by planting them on the north side of the house or on a north-facing slope. This will delay or lessen light exposure and provide safer, more gradual thawing. Plants that blossom early should also be obscured for direct morning sun, as a gradual thaw will minimize the damage done by frost.  For young trees, use tree guards to prevent rodent damage caused by hungry animals gnawing on bark during scarce months.

Cover Up the Garden Beds

Although many of us add it in the spring, you want to add compost in late autumn to let the soil soak up those nutrients over the winter. Add a couple of inches of compost or manure on top of your beds before the ground freezes. Then, add a light layer of straw or mulch to prevent soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and weed development. 

Use water to protect

Run a sprinkler over delicate plants on cold nights. As the water freezes on the plants, it will give off heat and keep them warmer than the surrounding air. This trick is often used to protect fruit trees to protect crops from unruly weather.

Lawn Care Checklist Before Winter Hits:

• • Mow slightly shorter than normal.
  • Aerate compacted spots.
  • Add fall fertilizer low in nitrogen.
  • Rake leaves frequently off grass areas.
  • Avoid walking on frozen turf.

Photo: Daily Express

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