It’s nearly winter, so it’s time to think about putting your garden to bed for the cold months. Plants will naturally prepare themselves for the dormant season, but there are several things you can do to help them get through the winter and survive till next spring. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Snow: Your Garden’s Best Friend and Worst Enemy
Snow can help to insulate the soil, much like mulch does. But when the snow builds up on tree branches, it can cause them to break. Take a few minutes to go from tree to tree and knock the snow off of the branches. Start at the bottom and work your way up. That way, the snow you knock off the top branches won’t add to the snow that is already on the bottom branches. If your trees are covered in ice, leave them alone. Let the ice melt on its own.
Preparing Perennials
The first thing you want to do to get your perennials ready for winter is to cut back the dry stems to the soil level. Remove any insect eggs you encounter too. Cut any parts that are brown and dead so the new growth has room to grow next spring.
Mow Your Lawn
This is one warm weather chore we bet you won’t miss! But give your lawn one last mow. Make sure your mower’s blades are at a low height setting and mow your lawn. Be sure to drain the fuel from your lawnmower after you’re done so you can store it safely for the winter!
Do you need more suggestions on how to prepare your garden for winter? Give us a call at 717-898-0041 or contact us.
