As hot as this summer was, it’s almost time to start preparing for the colder months ahead. With fall just around the corner, it won’t be long before we’re shoveling snow and layering up to brace for the cold. As we prepare ourselves for the chilly days ahead, it’s important to remember our precious plants and landscaped yards in the winter season.
But, how can we properly care for our gardens with winter soon on the horizon? There’s still time before the weather starts turning to make the necessary preparations so your garden stays healthy during the cold. Here are some tips for getting ready for the upcoming season.
Grow Winter Produce
While we typically think about our plants only growing during warm and sunshine-filled seasons, there are some plants that actually thrive best during the cold months. When you choose the right plants that suit the conditions for the time of year, you don’t have to worry about controlling their environment. Some great winter greens that you can grow in the cold weather are spinach, radicchio, kale and rainbow chard.
Plant for the Future
While preparing for the winter, you can plan even further ahead for the spring. With these plants, you won’t expect them to grow much in the cold, but, by planting flowing bulbs now, your garden will be bursting with life and color by springtime. An added bonus is often you’ll be surprised by your spring garden since you planted it many months before.
Bring Potted Plants Inside
The simplest solution to keeping plants healthy during the winter weather is, when possible, to bring potted plants indoors. Especially if you have plants that are on the delicate side, it’s best to bring them in to avoid frosts. However, make sure you give your plants time to acclimate to indoor living. The first few days you’ll only want to bring them in at night, then gradually increase the time they spend indoors over the next 2 weeks. Not only will this be good for your plants, but it will also be good for you, as plant life has been shown to improve mood and overall well-being.
Minimize Salt Damage
While we may use salt to protect ourselves from slippery streets and sidewalks during the snowy and icy months, salt can actually be damaging to your landscape. Be sure to protect your lawns from any salt to make sure that nourishing water isn’t being drawn out of the roots. If your lawn does happen to get salted in some areas, don’t worry. You can flush out salt with additional water and ensure that your landscape rests comfortably in the cold.
Don’t let the incoming cold weather mean the demise of your beautiful garden or landscaped lawn. With the right attention and care, you can nourish your plants through even the harshest winters.
