Winter is here are you scared you’ll lose the garden you’ve worked hard for all year. Do not be alarmed, winter gardening is something that can be done. You can still manage to maintain your crops. Your garden can still survive in the cold harsh environments that come with winter without a hitch. The only thing you need to remember is that winter gardening will require a lot of pampering and love to get your plants through to spring.
Tips for Winter gardening
Plant your crops before winter
If you want your crops to survive then you need to give them a head start before the cold winter seasons come. It’s like preparing a soldier for war. Why plant earlier you might ask? So that your plants are able to germinate and gain some strength before winter comes. If the crops are mature enough by the time winter comes, then they can manage to survive through it. Winter doesn’t always have a lot of sunshine. Now, what would happen if you decide to plant your seeds then. The likelihood of germinating is very low. They won’t have enough sunlight to help them germinate and come out of the soil. And if they do come out then they are met with a harsh cold environment.No warmth to help them grow and now you’re met with thin and fragile stems that cannot survive the strong winter winds.
Transfer your garden indoors
This is a smart decision to make especially during winter. You know how sometimes strong winds come and snow falls and destroys everything. Now imagine that garden that you’ve nurtured and watered daily all destroyed. You never know what snow might do to your outdoor garden, especially if it’s not a strong structure that can be able to carry all the snow that falls. Transferring your garden indoors ensures that you’re able to monitor your garden every day without having to go to the cold. It also prevents your soil from freezing since the plants are in a warm area. You do not have to transfer the whole garden. Just the weak and newly planted plants that you think might not survive through to spring.
See also: How to Start a Home Garden
Construct a strong and steady shed for your plants.
If you have so many plants that cannot be transferred to the house then get building. Construct a shed that can be able to sustain the strong winds and the weight of the snow. Anything weak and fragile might end up falling on your plants. This will end up destroying your garden when faced with loads of snow. Put a roof over your garden so that your soil doesn’t freeze up quickly.
Invest in garden lights.
We are going back to that biology class on what plants need to survive. Light is one of them. Winter isn’t typically hot and sunny compared to summer. Your plants might need some light for photosynthesis. Plants generally require this light to help them generate energy. The energy helps them bloom and grow. Although artificial light may be far from the natural sunlight, it will really help your plants to grow.No more stagnated plants that appear like they struggling to survive.
Mulch your garden
Mulching is the best way to ensure that your roots are covered. This will prevent them from freezing up making them lose strength for anchorage. Mulching is like covering your plants with a blanket. You get to reduce water loss that may be incurred during winter. It’s also a great way to regulate the soil’s temperature keeping your plants warm and moist.
Also read: Tips for Storing Your Seeds and Preserving Them for Years
Water your garden before frosting begins
Watering your garden beforehand is a great way to ensure that your plants have enough moisture. The moisture might be very helpful to prevent your roots from being dry. Watering beforehand also ensures that you don’t have to worry about frozen water pipes.
Grow hardy winter crops .
If you’re a gardener I’m sure you know you need to carry out a lot of research. Gardening through winter doesn’t make it any different. Find out about the hardy winter plants that can survive in your area. Different areas have different winter intensities and it’s good to know yours. That way you can choose the plants that can survive in your area reducing the risk of disappointments. Plants like broccoli and cabbage can do well in winter. You could also try succulents like carrots and beets. These are just a few of the plants that could survive in a cold environment.
Have a winter compost
If you thought you’d take a break from composting in winter then you’re wrong. Reserve those leftover greens in the kitchen and use them for your compost. I’m sure you saved up some of those autumn leaves in a sack. Mix the two up and use them for this rainy day. Ensure that the compost is placed in a warm place in the shed. You could also add some carbon to help with decomposing and make your garden fertile throughout the winter.
Protect your plants from pests and disease
Do not slack when it comes to pest prevention. Winter is the best time to continue spraying your plants. When spring comes, it will come with loads of pests ready to feed on your plants. Ensure they are well protected and safe for when that time comes. Also during winter weeds grow slower. Now imagine dealing with these weeds when they are weak and fragile. Use this time to prune the weeds and remove them from your garden completely.
Maintain your gardening tools .
Winter is a great time for you to finally take care of your gardening tools. Oil those moving parts and scrape off the molds of soil you had left on the hoes. Organize your garden in preparation for the next planting season. I’m sure you have been searching for that rake for far too long and you’re wondering where it disappeared to.
Create a list of plants to grow in the next season
Winter is eventually going to end and you’ll want to go back to a healthy and lively garden. Use this time to do some research on new plants you would want to grow. Learn about different gardening methods that can make your work easier. Look for new tools for your garden and set a target for yourself. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish during this winter gardening season.
Try these winter gardening hacks and see your garden thrive even in the coldest months.
