Gardening is one of the ways that many people relax and connect with Mother Nature. It not only provides an avenue to save money on spices, herbs and flowers for those so inclined, it also helps to regulate people’s mood as an outdoor activity that takes attention away from pressing life issues as the gardener tends to other living things in his or her immediate environment. However, we can all agree that successful outdoor gardening requires the right weather, with the right amount of sunshine, water and wind for healthy plants. This sometimes poses a challenge to many, and it used to be common practice for people to take a break from gardening during winter, only to resume back in spring. Reading home product companies’ reviews shows that many home makers and home keepers obtain storages and products to help them keep their garden preserved through the winter. But what if we tell you that it is a good idea to keep your garden through the winter?
Consider the following suggestions and the advantages highlighted about how to keep a nice garden during winter below:
- Allow Mother Nature to take its course. I know this might sound painful, and the direct opposite of what you want. Nobody wants to see the living things they nurture die (sometimes slowly, as often happens with plants). However, there is a silver lining – the plants will die, slowly. And as the plants die, they return to the soil and increase the nutrient base of the soil. So, while your garden might not have the colourful and vibrant look you desire, you can rest on the knowledge that comes spring, it will house healthy, well-nourished plants again.
- If you have your garden around paved areas, this is the time to keep the pavements scrubbed and clean, as dead leaves can pose a fall-danger to passers-by. Pavements also offer a certain aesthetics for winter months that might be absent due to the diminishing life of the garden. In case you need ideas, companies such as simply paving and many others claim to offer different products and services on how you can integrate your gardens and pavements seamlessly.
- Ensure that your boundaries are well taken care of. Clear the needed areas, mow the lawn, prune tree limbs to improve their shapes and trim hedges.
- There are some plants that are more susceptible to the effects of frost, and if such plants are grown in pots, then you can easily move the pots away from areas of direct contact with snow or water.
- Snowflakes can stay on leaves for a long time, especially if it keeps snowing for extended periods. Apart from a few plants that are hardy enough to survive, many other plants will die from the cold and the over-abundance of water. What to do? Knock off the snow from your plants periodically. Simply doing that can reduce the damage of the snow to the plants, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
- Pay attention to pests, because winter presents the season for slugs and snails to eat vegetables and flowers. This will speed up the death and destruction of your garden, so you should take appropriate measures by using some pesticides or such products.
- Do not neglect to weed. We are not saying you should step out in the thick of a snow-storm to start removing unwanted plants, but bear in mind that any opportunity you have to remove the competition to your plants should be welcome. The weeds can also be prepared as mulch to be used during spring.
- Apply plant tonics and products to improve plant development during the winter months. You can also add slow release fertilizers ahead of the winter months to sustain your plants through the cold.
- Employ garden hacks, such as soil warmers, using fleece jackets to wrap your potted plant during snow, using frost protection clothes, curtains for planters, polytunnels and other such innovations in planting your garden. These can mean shelling out extra dimes here and there, but if it will help keep your plant warm through the cold season, and if you can afford it, why not?
Ultimately, what might become of your garden after winter might look like the survival of the fittest. But take heart in knowing that you did the best you could to keep your garden as nice and cosy as possible. Most of the preparation for winter should be done ahead of the season, as it increases the chances of survival for your garden. Remember, having a garden might offer some colourful comfort during the dreary greyness of winter.