Simple Strategies for a Beautiful Winter Landscape
With the cold winter season upon us, we’re going to be retreating into our cozy living rooms with a kindling firepit nearby. But what about the garden?
A drop in temperature doesn’t mean your garden needs to go into hibernation too. By taking some measures right now, you can make sure that your garden remains inviting and healthy.
Clean Up Debris
Before getting started, you need to clean up all the debris that’s been lying around in your garden all fall. Get rid of branches, dead leaves, and weeds.
These leftover materials can prove to be quite dangerous and make way for disease and pests. By tidying up the garden you’ll make way for new winter plantings.
Cut Back Perennials
With winter around the corner, you need to trim your perennials to 3-4 inches above the ground. Doing so makes sure your garden plants can survive the harsh cold winter days.
When you cut them back, you’re able to remove dead or damaged stems, which tend to attract dangerous pests. This practice of trimming helps prevent mold and rot.
Protect Tender Plants
Opposite to contrary belief, plants don’t always die under harsh weather conditions. Sometimes they just need a little protection.
Cover up the sensitive plants with high-quality burlap, frost cloth, or blankets. These materials make sure that the plants are getting the necessary air circulation while surviving the winter weather.
Secure the covering material by the edges so that they don’t fly off during the windy season.
Mulching
When it comes to preparing your garden for the winter season, mulching is a must. Start by adding a layer of 2-3 inches of mulch.
Mulch is great for insulation and protects the plants from the freezing winter temperature. A protective layer helps in maintaining a stable soil temperature minimizing the need for frequent watering.
Prepare Soil
For a healthy and vibrant garden full of winter blooms, you need to first prepare your soil for the drop in temperature. Test your soil’s pH level which informs you about the acidity.
Similarly, compost or organic matter such as leaf mold or well-rotted manure should be added. The incorporation of such materials makes sure your soil structure remains stable and it has enough nutrients to keep the plants nourished.
Cover Crops
One smart move you can make to keep your garden safe from the cold weather is by planting cover crops. Cover crops have a list of varieties including vetch, rye, and clover.
These crops are planted for protecting the soil rather than for harvesting purposes. Cover crops are great for attracting the necessary nutrients from the air and instilling them in the soil.
Drain Water Hoses
The proper draining of your water hoses is important to protect them from freezing and cracking. If the hoses are left with water inside them, they can be damaged to a great extent, making them unfit for the next season.
Disconnect the hoses from the faucets or any other attachments. Empty the hoses properly and then store them in a dry sheltered place.
Store Garden Tools
To make sure your garden tools stay fit for an extended time, indulge in an end-of-the-season cleanup. Remove any dirt, mud, or plant residue from your tools using a stiff brush or cloth.
If the tools have some stubborn grime, soak them in lukewarm water as it tends to help. Once the tools are tidy and clean, hang them on a pegboard for an organized arrangement.
Protect the Lawn
Snow in winter is inevitable. And you need to make sure necessary measures are in place so that no irrecoverable damage is done. Mow your lawn grass a bit shorter than usual as long grass can harbor snow mold in the winter.
Before your ground freezes, make sure to apply a winterizing fertilizer as it’ll prepare your grass for the sunny season.
Feed the Plants
Plant growth is hindered during the winter season. Therefore, it makes sense to prepare them for this slow pace in a proper way.
Feed your plants with a slow-release fertilizer throughout the season. Unlike quick-release fertilizers, slow-release options provide the plants with nutrients at a gradual pace.
Slowly infusing the plants with nutrients makes sure their root system becomes more strengthened.
Build a Compost Pile
Winterizing your compost is necessary to make sure it stays active and effective during the colder months. You can add a layer of leaves or straws on top of your compost.
There’s also the option of mixing in kitchen scraps and other organic materials before covering them with leaves and straws. Don’t forget to chop off any larger leaves as they can hinder the airflow.
Bird Feeders
Bring life to your garden in the colder months with decorative bird feeders. Choose stylish bird feeders that are in line with your garden aesthetics.
Place the feeders in a safe place where the birds can’t be preyed upon by predators. To create an inviting environment, you can add decorative elements like colorful perches and birdhouses.
Festive Lighting
Nothing sets up a cozy vibe than festive string lights in the garden. These string lights can be draped over fences, wrapped around tree branches, or hung from pergolas.
You can also go for solar-powered lanterns along walkways for gentle illumination during the cold winter nights. Choosing the right lighting can turn your garden into a winter wonderland.
Wind Chimes
Winter evenings can be quite depressing, with no birds chirping or kids playing in the streets. To set up a fun and less depressing mood this winter, invest in garden winter chimes.
As the wind rustles through the chimes, the air is filled with a melodic tone that can be both calming and uplifting during the cold winter evening. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a garden but wants one, skim through this informative guide on “Create Urban Vertical Gardens for Small Spaces“.
Winter Containers
Harsh winter weather doesn’t mean your garden needs to be deprived of vibrant colors. Fill your garden with decorative winter boxes.
Fill these boxes with colorful blooms like winter berries, pinecones, and other evergreen boughs. Make sure to go for a container/box that can withstand the color weather.
Talking about garden decor, check out this captivating read on “Instagram Worthy Garden Design on a Budget“.
