Before you settle in for a “long winter’s nap,” be sure to think about the following tips for winterizing your home garden. Following these guidelines will help you save money in the spring—reducing repairs, the need for replacing plants and purchasing new equipment.
1. Be sure there is enough moisture around the plants to help the roots systems stay active and pliable. Before the ground freezes over, give your plants a drink of water to sustain them over the winter months. If your ground is frozen, just pile some snow around the base to melt off during the winter.
2. Remove any crop debris such as wilted tomato vines, old pumpkins and vines, peas and vines, beans and vines and be sure to discard or burn any diseased plants.
3. Mulch your garden with leaves, straw, pine straw or other materials to keep water pockets from forming.
4. Take care of your water features. Remove pumps and drain the water. For bird baths, turn the vessels upside down so water can’t collect and possibly freeze.
5. Prepare your herbs. Plants like thyme and sage that are planted in the ground do not need any special treatment. If you have large rosemary plants, cover them or if possible, bring indoors. Tender herbs like basil and oregano should be covered with mulch or straw.
6. Winterize your watering system and remove hoses from the spigots.
7. Clean and oil your good garden tools. This will protect them over the winter. In the spring, given them a good wipe down and you are ready to start digging!
8. Don’t forget to feed the birds! Most birds like suet and oily seeds like black oil sunflower seeds. Place a heavy-duty tarp or shower curtain under the bird feeder to catch stray seeds and reduce the amount of weeding you will need to do in the spring. See more in the issue
