Gardeners in any growing condition could benefit from a little preparation before winter hits. It’s not only nice to put a bow on the growing season, it may actually save your plants from getting stressed or damaged. Although that sounds serious, these three tasks are actually easy and quick.
1 - Deadhead large blooms.
A large spent flower can easily be caught in the wind or weighed down by snow, causing the branch to snap. So, if you live in an area that gets a little wild in the winter, it’s good to do some proactive pruning. Take a walk by the spots that get hit hardest and snip off any large blooms just above a set of leaves.
Plants to consider:
- hydrangeas (especially panicles)
- lilacs
- roses with large intact flowers or heavy sprays (stems with multiple roses on the end, like this)
2 - Check mulch.
Some gardeners like to mulch before winter hits. If that was the case for you, go back and check the bases of your shrubs. Brush away any mulch that is touching a branch. If mulch is mounded up around a shrub it can cause problems, like:
- making the environment soggy (butterfly bushes despise this in particular)
- encouraging pests to get cozy and chew away the precious outer layers of the branches
- accidentally remaining there well into the future, which creates a multitude of different problems
3 - Water young evergreens (and new plantings).
Lack of water is the most common reason an evergreen experiences winter burn. Essentially, the harsh wind sucks moisture from the foliage and it isn’t able to be replenished because the plant is dormant. To avoid this, provide ample water for them before the ground freezes. To make sure you don’t overwater:
- feel the ground around the outside of the rootball and
- if it is moist, don’t water OR
- if it is dry, water deeply
Thankfully, winter naturally does some good work without our assistance. The steady drop in temperature helps our plants go dormant and any lasting snowfall insulates plants against especially chilly days. Winter also gives gardeners their own type of dormancy – a chance to sit back and reflect on the seasons of the past and the seasons to come. While you’re relaxing you could:
- Share your favorite winter prep task in the comments below.
- Browse through the digital edition of Gardening Simplified (a DIY landscape guide) to get some garden design ideas.
- Find a new shrub that’s perfect for your garden with this YouTube playlist.
5 Responses
Hi I appreciate your helpful hints! Especially about keeping new Evergreens moist! I also burlap to help prevent wind burn and aleviate Deer! Thanks again
That’s a great call for gardens that face truly tough winters! Glad you’ve found a method that works for you!
I truly love Proven Winner
Can you send this booklet by mail?
It’s very hard to read in email.
Thanks.
Absolutely! We can send you a physical copy next time a batch goes out in the mail. Just send your mailing address to this email – kristina@springmeadownursery.com