Winter Ready Checklist for Gardeners
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With the freezing temperatures, I'm sure there are people out there who want to know how to put their garden to rest for the winter. Here is a checklist of activities that every gardener should take care of in the next couple of weeks to keep their garden in tip-top shape.
Tender bulbs
Did you have a fantastic display of elephant ears this summer? Now is the time to dig them up and store them away. Even if the tops aren't looking their best, the bulb will stay alive until the ground starts to freeze. Topical bulbs such as canna lilies, caladiums, dahlias, and others must be dug up and stored in a dry place that doesn't freeze. They will not survive in the landscape during hard freezes.
Applying Compost
Before your garden or lawn goes into winter hibernation, why not give it a healthy boost of organic matter? This not only enhances soil health but also reduces the need for fertilizers in the upcoming growing season. Plus, it's a great way to put all those food and paper scraps to good use. If your compost isn't ready yet, keep turning it throughout the winter to ensure it's ready for spring.
Mulching dry areas
If you struggle to keep your ornamentals healthy and well-watered, it's time to be strategic. Applying mulch to your flower beds and tree rings during the dormant winter season is a smart move. It not only covers up leaf litter from the previous season but also pays off when the plants wake up from dormancy. Plus, it's a great way to prevent those pesky weeds from taking over.
Deadheading Seedy Plants
If you have high standards for your garden's appearance every year, consider cutting the spent flowers off before they go to seed. The whole flower stem doesn't have to go; hollow stems can be used to overwinter cavity-nesting bees. Many gardeners like leaving their seed heads for winter interest and food for the birds. That is fine and encouraged in many gardens. However, birds do not make good flower bed designers and often leave sunflowers and coneflowers in undesirable spots.
Storing Tools
It is also a time to ensure the longevity of your tools. The best way to do this is to take them inside out of the weather. The constant freeze-thaw of the outside environment will slowly deteriorate wooden handles. Rust can also occur when moisture is present from frost in the air. Make sure you gather all your tools, clean them, and give them a nice winter home.
Hoses
Have you put away your hose? In today's world, it might not be as common sense as it used to be. Quality hoses do not like to be subject to winter weather or be nibbled on by pesky squirrels. Especially if you aren't using them as often as you once were, you might have to do winter watering, specifically new trees or newly seeded lawns, so keep it towards the front of your storage just in case. When removing a hose, a faucet cover can be essential, which is notable on the north side of a house.
Winter tasks might not be the most fun or flashy, but they are important for keeping your garden looking its best during the growing season.
by Markis Hill, Ornamentals and Turf Horticulture Extension Agent, 2024
Have questions?
The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions. Phone: (913) 715-7050 Email: garden.help@jocogov.org