These cold weather to-dos can make a big difference come springtime.
Wandering through your yard or garden right now may not be the most joyful experience; the trees are without their fluttering green leaves, the bushes look scraggly and those once-colorful flowers now lie dormant. Fast forward just a few months, though, and it’s an entirely different scene. You can make the view even better by tending to a few small to-dos leading up to warmer weather. Here’s what gardening experts say you should do now for a beautiful spring garden.
(Re)Design Your Garden Now
If you’re starting from scratch or you’d like to make changes to your garden, now’s the perfect time to draw up your plans.
“Winter is the perfect time to review your garden's performance, noting which plants thrived and which underperformed [last year],” notes Jessica Booth, a landscape architect at Yost Design. “Use this time to plan improvements, such as dividing perennials, adding fertilizer, or designing new beds.”
While planning, also observe site conditions like sunlight and moisture while researching plant options.
Learn More About Plants
Along with planning out your garden, Madeline Hooper, host of the PBS show Garden Fit, says it’s a great time to invest in a little plant education. “Find a local botanical garden, school, or nursery that gives classes on a variety of gardening topics and let the experts get you up to speed,” she suggests. You can also find free videos and articles online to learn more.
Test Your Soil
Winter is also an ideal time to gather soil samples for testing, and most state cooperative extensions offer this service. “These tests reveal what nutrients your soil lacks and recommend fertilizers or amendments to improve it,” Booth explains. “The cooperative extension can also provide tailored advice based on the specific plants you’re growing.” For example, a rhododendron bed requires different soil pH and nutrients than a vegetable garden or lawn.
Start Composting and Mulching
Speaking of soil nutrients, most plants heavily rely on the health of the soil. If you have the space, consider adding a composting bin. “Creating a compost bin with kitchen scraps is an easy, cost-effective way to enrich your garden without purchasing compost,” Booth says.
Your compost can be added to the soil once you’re ready to begin planting and/or once plants start growing again. Booth notes that, “Mulching further enhances soil health by adding organic matter, conserving moisture, and insulating plants during winter.”
Together, composting, and mulching support a thriving, nutrient-rich garden ecosystem.
Start Some Seeds Indoors
You can get a head start on any new garden additions by growing them indoors. This is especially worthwhile if you’re starting anything from seed, or if you’re buying smaller seedlings that take time to grow. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix, and place them in a warm, well-lit area or under grow lights. Check seed packets for specific timing and care instructions based on your growing zone.
Prune Select Trees and Shrubs
In mid-to-late winter you can begin pruning some trees and shrubs. Booth says that pruning is ideal for plants like butterfly bushes, roses, callicarpa, panicle hydrangeas, and some shade trees.
“These benefit from pruning to prevent storm damage, maintain a youthful appearance, and encourage vigorous new growth,” Booth says. “Since these shrubs bloom on new wood, winter pruning also leads to more abundant summer blooms.”
She adds that, in late winter, you can prune large shade trees. This allows them to begin healing pruning wounds in early spring, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Clean Up Debris and Clutter
Once ice and snow start melting away and the ground begins to thaw, walk through your garden to clean up fallen branches, leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated. This helps your garden look tidy, of course, but also helps prevent pests and diseases from making their way into your space. Be careful to avoid disturbing any plants that might have already started emerging.
Protect Early Bloomers From Frost
Winter weather has a way of coming back just when you think you’re cleared for spring takeoff. Pay attention to forecasts and cover any early bloomer perennials with fabric if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. You can use frost clothes, burlap, or even an overturned bucket to shield these tender shoots during cold snaps. Old sheets and towels work in a pinch, too.
Read more at Real Simple
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