As we enjoy the wonderful fall colors, winter slowly starts sneaking up on us.
There are still a few jobs you need to carry out before your garden is completely covered in snow. All you have to do is tidy up a bit, pamper your plants, and prepare them for winter’s chill.
By doing these simple tasks, you will secure a thriving garden and a bountiful harvest for next season!
Keep reading this article to find out more about these garden jobs and how to do them properly.
1. Plant Protection Comes First
You have to protect your precious little plants from freezing temperatures and strong winds!
Plants are used to growing in nice and warm conditions so the first step is to move them into a greenhouse or protected area. I know that every gardener doesn’t have a greenhouse, but there are alternative options for that.
For instance, you can wrap them in horticultural fleece, use plastic sheeting or burlap, or even use cloches to create that rustic vibe in the garden!
Adding a thick layer of mulch is also a great way to protect your plants from frost. Use wood chips, straw, or leaves as they act as temperature insulators. This will keep the roots safe and warm.
Don’t forget that your potted plants also need protection. If they are kept in pouring rain for too long, their soil will get soggy. In case you didn’t know, soggy soils often lead to root rot.
Simply bring your container plants indoors – a greenhouse, garage, or shed are the perfect places to store your plants during the winter season.
Also read: 10 Jobs To Do In October For A Thriving Garden
2. Then Go To Protect Your Lawn!
It seems as though lawn maintenance never stops… but hey, if we want nice things, we have to work hard!
Preparing your lawn for the upcoming winter is very important, especially if you want to continue having a green and thick lawn that everyone in the neighborhood admires.
Start by raking your lawn. Make sure to remove the thatch without pulling out your grass. Then, aerate the lawn by poking holes with a garden fork. Don’t wait until the grass is wet or frosty as it could do more harm than good.
You can overseed or apply weed treatment after aerating the lawn. Once you’ve done all that, add a mixture of rotten organic matter, loam, and sand to the surface of your lawn. It must be done after aeration so that the mix combines well in the soil.
This top dressing will feed the soil, improve the drainage, and break down thatch. Now all you have to do is stay off the grass and don’t let your kids and pets run around the garden!
3. Don’t Forget To Prune The Trees
This is the perfect time to prune your fruit trees because they go dormant during the winter season. Pruning will boost the tree’s growth, securing you with a bountiful harvest next year!
All you have to do is remove any dead or diseased branches and untangle those that are crossing over each other. Fruit trees are typically cut before winter, but certain types should be pruned at different times.
I would recommend you research a bit or seek professional advice. If you grow apple trees, here’s how and when to prune apple trees.
4. Now Is The Time To Plant Tulips & Hedges
Wait, planting right before winter? Is that even possible?
Well, there are certain plants that should be planted exactly during this time!
Tulips are gorgeous flowering plants that should be planted in November. This way, your tulips won’t be affected by any fungal diseases. Once you’ve got a colorful flower display in your garden, share some pictures on Instagram with one of these tulip quotes.
But if you are planning to grow a hedge in your yard, wait until November to plant your hedging plants. Before you plant anything, prepare the area properly and add some compost. Soon enough, you’ll have a compact hedge that offers comfort and privacy.
You might also be interested in: Pittosporum Hedge: 7 Best Pittosporum Varieties For Hedges