Winter isn’t the most popular season for many garden lovers. The harness of the cold weather pounds hard on our bodies, scaring away even the most faithful gardeners. Nonetheless, even when the short, gray days are already upon us, there is still much we can do, not only to protect our plants, trees, and veggies but also to continue enjoying this magnificent lifestyle and to be ready for spring.
Winter is no reason to stop doing what you love and leave your garden at the mercy of the weather. Having a nice garden is not an easy task. It requires hard work and a lot of time. Therefore, it is important not to leave it unattended during the severe cold weather.
Pruning shears and shrubs
Choose Your Crop
First of all, it is important for you to understand the behavior of the weather in your area. I know the climate is unpredictable, but anticipating any severe snowfall can make a huge difference in how your garden will remain. There are also cold-season tolerant veggies that might be a good option to keep during the season.
Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, and Brussels sprouts, have a good tolerance for cold weathers. Collards, mustard greens, spinach, kale, mâche, and many kinds of lettuce also prefer cooler temperatures. Root veggies like turnips, beets, radishes, rutabagas, and baby carrots are other options for the cold weather garden.
Get Rid Of Weeds
Winter is also a perfect time to get rid of weeds. As soon as it gets a little warmer or if you have a warm spell, weed seeds will be the first to germinate on your garden plots and flower beds. This will make easier to pull them out as soon as they appear.
Keep It Warm
Of course, not everyone can have a nice greenhouse. However, many gardeners use techniques such as bulbs or low tunnels to protect their veggies. These are excellent options, but all by themselves might not be enough. Winter is also a dry season, and unprotected soil will dry out even faster than spring and summer.
Consider adding layers of mulch to your soil. Mulch helps keep the soil warm and moist. A healthy layer of mulch can go a long way toward protecting roots and bulbs from encroaching frost. Mulch also prevents weeds from growing and gives a nice appearance to your garden.
Protect It
Many people cover their crops during winter to protect it. However, it is important to use the correct materials; otherwise, you could harm your plants and veggies. Considering using fabric coverings. These are excellent options, and you can find alternatives regarding the conditions or needs that you have. Avoid using regular plastic bags. In case you need more help, you can always contact an expert that can provide you with more ideas and options to keep your garden nice and healthy during winter.
