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Equipping your garden for the winter will decrease the time it will take to replant and repair in the Springtime. Numerous steps will need to be taken before the first snow or cold weather hits.
Shape Up the Garden
Sweeping leaves, mowing, and weeding should continue to be completed until all plants are finished growing for the Fall season. Neatness is important year round, especially in the Fall. If you uproot weeds during the Fall, it will lessen the amount that will emerge during the Spring. Get rid of dead annuals and either dispose of them or add them to a compost pile.
Shrubs and Trees
Prune back trees or shrubs that are outgrown. Once the leaves have fallen, it will be simpler to spot this. It will also be easier to view any branches or plants that have died or become diseased. These will need to be disposed of, as to prevent disease from spreading to other branches or plants.
Winter Mulch
Winter mulch should be applied for the protection of plants, to prevent disease from developing, and to prevent pests from taking over. Leave any dried leaves and pine needles at this point, as they are good insulators for plants in the Wintertime.
Maintaining the garden does take some extra work, but in the long run, winterizing will increase its beauty and longevity. If you preserve and care for the garden plants before a winter’s freeze, this will keep you from doing a lot of work in the Spring.
Tags: Compost, Garden, Home and Garden, Weather, winter