garden cleanup
Perform a general cleanup to remove weeds, fallen branches, dead leaves, and other debris from flower beds and borders. Remove dead growth from deciduous grasses and perennial herbs. Put the dead organic matter you remove into a compost pile or container to break it down. Remove any weeds you can see and either burn them or put them in your litter box. Don't compost them as the seeds will sprout and cause you more problems later. If the winter is still wet, wait until the soil dries out before pulling any weeds, as this may damage the soil structure. Dry soil also keeps the texture aerated and helps plants thrive. If you don't know if it's dry, take a handful of dirt and try to shape it into a ball. If the ball breaks easily into pieces, you're good to go. If not, your soil is not dry enough.
Still, keep in mind that several weeds may be beneficial for producing excellent soil and garden ecology. If you have one of these 5 weeds (including broadleaf plantain, chickweed, saffron, white clover, and dandelion), compost them in place.
Add compost to your bed
Match specific products to plant types and any specific nutritional needs based on soil testing. Add a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost to your garden, then use a digging fork or wide fork to gently lower it into the soil. If you put your compost in place while the soil is still warm, microbes and beneficial soil-dwelling organisms will immediately start working to break it down and prepare it for spring. After a long growing season, fortifying or reconditioning the soil will balance and strengthen the soil in preparation for the upcoming spring planting.
Preparing New Garden Beds
Do you want to expand your garden? Now is a great time to plan some new spaces, move and build new beds to showcase your new plants. You can measure your free space and use graph paper to plan things out. You might be surprised how much space you have when you tweak your garden a little.
If you're looking to buy more raised garden beds, I recommend the AluzincMetalGardenBed (why you need an AluzincMetalGardenBed). Why not buy the Herb&Kids collection for your kids to nurture their passion for gardening this coming spring? U-shaped raised garden beds are great for growing more vegetables and other plants if you have enough planting space.
Removal of broken trees and shrubs_
Prune any type of damaged, dead or storm-damaged branches in winter. Also, prune off the tips of any evergreens that have actually endured a hint of wilting from winter cold.
Start sowing specific seeds indoors
January and February are good times to start seeds indoors. For indoor growing, you will need to prepare a seed starting tray and some good potting soil for seed growing. Place the seeds in a warm room with plenty of light and moisten the soil regularly. Follow the directions on the back of the seed packet for best results.
Bring your seedlings outdoors to a sunny spot during the day and bring them back to your home at night, during which time your seedlings will be acclimated to the outdoor weather.
Start collecting rainwater
Collecting rainwater is actually important for ecological gardening. Install a water head in your garden this winter to take advantage of seasonal rainfall. Most of the rain of the year is in winter, so hurry up and collect it! Peak water use in hot months often forces water utilities to overuse groundwater reserves and rivers, which is harmful to the environment and costly to consumers.
Rainfall is actually an ideal type of water for plants. Blueberries, camellias, and rhododendrons, in particular, do best when it's raining, as tap water is usually a bit alkaline in fact.
Place it under downspouts in your residence, or even under a shed after the plumbing is installed. If you have a closed drain, you'll need a diverter kit to siphon off some of the rainwater.
Maintain Fences and Trellis
Winter is the ideal time of year to get these chores of maintenance done. Check your trellis, gates, and fence panels for any signs of weather damage or rot. Repairing or replacing any damaged parts and any damaged structures will allow you to spend more time in the garden in the spring and summer. Also, clean fence panels and gates with an electric washer to remove dirt, moss, and mold. Use a stiff brush to help remove stubborn dirt. Likewise, you can collect those fallen leaves and rotting wood as compost during maintenance.
Clean and sharpen garden tools
Getting your tools and supplies ready is a great start to spring. Take the time to clear and sharpen your tolls during the winter months. Maintaining your garden tools will help protect them, save you money and time in the long run, and help prevent the spread of disease. Dirty pruning machines are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Strong cleaners, hot water and cleaners are recommended for cleaning blade tools. Sharpening your tools will also enhance their performance and make them easier to use. After sharpening, apply some oil or WD40 to the blade and hinge. Hand tools, including shovels, hoes, trowels and rakes will also benefit from good cleaning and oiling. Many big box stores will sell gardening supplies because they need to carry these for the winter, so you can go and pick one up.
