Prepare Your Garden for Winter

Autumn is now in full bloom, the green is not so green anymore and we want to spend less and less time in our gardens. But if we want to enjoy it next year in the same (or better) state, we have to take care of some important details now. Because now is the time, when plants are going into their dormant period and by some gardening endeavors we can help them pass the winter. The important thing is not to overdo it.

Before the frost season comes, plant trees and shrubs with prominent roots. At the base of these plants raise small mounds of soil that will protect the roots from cold. Cover with mats the cold-sensitive shrubs. If it is not very rainy, water the evergreen plants, so they could build water supply for the winter. Refrain from trimming the plants, as the sprouts will have no time to lignify and will be left unprotected from cold and infections.

To prepare your flowerbeds you should dig it now, but leave it without raking, so the dampness from precipitation. Remember to scatter the phosphoric fertilizer before that. Use potassium fertilizers as well. You should also check the soil pH. The best pH range varies between 6,0 and 7,0. If the pH is too low, you can increase it by applying agricultural lime. If you do that, never apply any fertilizers – because of chemical reactions that might occur, some of important minerals might become unavailable for plants.

When it comes to the lawn, you should mow it as long as it grows. If October was warm, you should mow it even in November. Keep the lawn clean of leaves, don’t let them cover it with airtight layer, which can cause spreading of fungus called Micronectriella nivalis, that is very dangerous to plants.

Remember to take care of your pond. It is good to spread a net above the water surface that will catch the falling leaves. Try to keep it as clean as possible, removing leaves so their weight wouldn’t cause them to touch water and start rotting. Remember to take the pumps and filter out before layer of ice covers the surface of your pond. Remove leaves and algae and wash the equipment. Plants should be moved to containers with clean water, in which they will spend the dormant season. Fish should be moved to aquarium. If your pond is big (over 3,5 ft), move the fish to the aquarium, remove 2/3 of the water, remove sludge and plant remains, clean the bottom and sideS of your pond.

It is important to cut off water flow in garden taps and remove water from pipes, so they wouldn’t burst when it freezes. You should also empty all water containers, they might break under the pressure of ice during the winter. Clean and grease your gardening tools, put them in a dry shed. Sharpen the tools that require it and fix the damaged ones. All equipment should be clean and tidy.