Put A Glove On Your Green Thumb & Winterize Your Garden

BrightNest
by BrightNest
You, my green-thumbed friend, did well this year. Your growing season was long and peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers basically jumped out of your well-tended garden. But now it’s time to close up shop before the first frost hits. Winterizing your garden not only makes it look better during the cold months, but it makes your work easier in the spring, too. Here’s how:
1. Plan Your Spring Bulbs Now


If you’re planting bulbs for your spring garden, the best time to plant them is right before you’re hit with the first hard frost. Plant your bulbs according to their directions, and you’ll have a beautiful garden when spring arrives.


2. Clean Up Your Garden


Take a sweep through your garden and remove weeds and diseased leaves. If you have any annuals or non-hardy bulbs like dahlias or gladiolus still in your garden, remove them from the ground and dispose of them. They won’t be able to live through the cold winter, and after they die they may spread diseases!


3. Heavily Mulch Your Soil


It’s important to add a 4-6 inch layer of mulch to your garden now to protect your perennial plants during the winter months. The best time to do this is right after the first hard frost because your perennials will be dormant by then. This new layer of mulch will help your garden maintain a consistent temperature during the cold season.


4. Clean and Store Your Garden Tools


It’s time to give your tools a much-needed break, but before you put them away, make sure they’re cleaned and sharpened. They’ll last longer and work better, especially if they’re stored in a dry climate during their off-season.


5. Can Your Fruits and Vegetables


If you’ve had a successful garden this year, you probably have more fruits and vegetables than you can possibly eat. Instead of tossing the excess produce, can it so that you and your family can enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long. Check out Simply Canning to learn how to can everything in your garden, from tomatoes to peppers.


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  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Nov 13, 2014
    Oh my goodness, it's so easy to dig up dahlia tubers and store them for the winter. I can't imagine just throwing them away.
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