Do you live in a cool climate? If so, then Fall is one of the most important times of year. During fall, you need to get your garden ready for winter. Some people might think, is it a must and yes, it is. You’ve invested a lot of time, money and energy in the garden and flowerbeds, and you do not want to see all of that hard work go to waste.
In this article, we’ll help you establish the most vital tasks to winterize your garden. These tasks are critical yet simple, and you can complete the tasks using simple materials and tools.
1. Familiarize yourself with your USDA zone
It’s important to know the average yearly extreme minimum temperatures during winter. It helps you come up with an action plan. You can easily find this information on the USDA site. The agricultural extension service in your area can also help you establish the last freeze and first frost dates. Moreover, it is important to know your frost dates. At one time of year are you expecting your first “hard frost”?
You find your USDA Zone here
You can also find your first and last frost dates here
2. Fall Clean-Up
Clean up your lawn and flower beds. You can start by getting rid of weeds. It’s not the most fun job, but it’s very important. Many people do not realize that many weeds can germinate in the Fall and spend the winter as seedlings, ready to sprout in the spring. Remove all weeds, including plant parts, dead leaves and any diseased or invasive plants. It would be best to get rid of everything you don’t fancy in your garden during the growing season.
If you think a specific plant is infected by bugs or plant disease, you may need to remove the plant or treat the problem. There is no need to allow such plants to invade the garden or spread disease in your garden.
3. Cut Back Perennials
We have already discussed Fall clean up but is also important to know what plants you should cut back in the Fall and what should wait until Spring. Some plants should have the foliage cut down to just a few inches above the ground. This will help clear away debris and prevent rot and disease. Generally speaking, plants that are not a "woody" would be cut back in the Fall. These plants would include, Bearded Iris, Phlox, Lilies, and Hostas just to name a few.
4. Cover the vulnerable plants
Are you planning to introduce new plants such as perennials or shrubs in the garden? You may need to provide them with a good covering that protects them from frosts, snowfalls and cold temperatures during winter. You can use a heavy layer of mulch or landscape fabric. Just, don’t forget to remove the coverings when the frost threat passes to enable the plants to get sufficient light and not get too warm.
5. Fertilizer
Fertilizing your garden in the Fall will help prepare your plants for next year's growing season. Fertilizing will also keep your plants hardy during the freezing cold months. We recommend applying fertilizer in October or November depending on your zone. Some fertilizers meant for the winter season may come with higher phosphorus and potassium levels compared to those used during warm weather. These fertilizers are specifically meant to make plants under stress stronger and develop strong roots.
6. Dig Up The Tender Plants
Do you have sensitive tubers or bulbs like elephant ears, dahlias or cana lilies in the garden? It might be wise to dig them up before winter comes. Placing them in a cool, dark location such as the basement will help. It’s important to research the best storage place before digging them up.
You can replant them after the harsh winter weather has passed. You might lose the whole plant if you don’t do this. Again, remembering your first and last frost date can be a good guide on when to take action.
Some gardeners also tend to move favorite annuals such as geraniums or begonias indoors during winter.
7. Add Mulch
Although mulch might seem like a spring task, including it in the winter list is safe. Having sufficient mulch is a healthy choice for your garden. It comes with several benefits like adding organic matter to your soil, protecting plants by adding insulation and naturally deterring weeds.
8.Continue Removing Debris Throughout The Season
A gardener's work is never done, even during the winter months. Keep your garden bed free from wet decaying plant matter, garbage and piles of leaves. Clumps of dead leaves or grass can prevent nutrients and water from getting to the roots of your plants. It can also block out sunlight and stifle the plan all together.
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