Prepare the Garden for Winter

by NorthernHomestead

There are a few important steps that can make the garden soil even better and also help the perennial plants to survive the cold winter months. Before winter settles in for good, make sure that you prepare the garden for winter.

how to prepare the garden for winter, composting, gardening, go green

1. Harvest the garden

By harvesting greens, cut the tops and leave the roots in the ground. You never know how many will survive the winter and continue to grow in spring.

2. Cover the garden soil

The garden soil is your most valuable matter in the garden. To protect it is a high priority.

In warmer zones a cover crop, preferably from the legume family, can be grown. Or even better, grow a winter garden. In colder zones an organic matter cover is needed: leaves, compost, straw, wood chips … whatever you prefer or have on hand.

3. Water trees shrubs and perennial plants

Just before the ground freezes, water all your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants.

As soon as snow covers the ground, it is also a good idea to hill up some snow around precious plants. Snow protects and also gives much needed moisture in the spring.

Harvest, cover and water – preparing the garden for winter is easy, but still very important!

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2 of 4 comments

Suzette Trimmer on Nov 16, 2014
I have found out for myself that this season is so much more work then getting it all started all over again anyone else agree? Certain plants need Pine needles while others require leaf mulch. Digging up all the Dalila bulbs and Cana, as well as begonias and then digging all the bulbs. Work Work work......I did not mention that I dislike it but stating just how much work there really is. ..

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Life With Lorelai on Nov 16, 2014
Anna, congrats on being featured on the Homealk Weekly Newsletter... very exciting! I love this post. :) ~Lorelai Life With Lorelai

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