As the vibrant colors of fall give way to the chill of winter, it’s time to prepare your garden for the coming season. A thorough fall garden clean-up ensures your plants are protected, your soil is enriched, and your garden is ready to flourish next spring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to winterize your garden, with helpful recommended tools and products.
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1. Remove Dead Plants and Weeds :
Start by clearing out any dead or dying plants, as well as persistent weeds. This helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering in your garden.
Recommended Product:
- This ergonomic hand weeder makes it easy to remove even the toughest weeds.
2. Prune Perennials and Shrubs :
Prune back perennials and shrubs to promote healthy growth next spring. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging your plants.
Recommended Product:
Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears
- These high-quality pruning shears are perfect for trimming perennials and shrubs.
3. Mulch Your Garden Beds :
Applying a layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth during the winter months.
Recommended Product:
Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch
- This mulch is color-enhanced to maintain a fresh look throughout the season.
4. Clean and Store Garden Tools :
Thoroughly clean your garden tools to prevent rust and ensure they’re ready for use next year. Store them in a dry, protected area.
Recommended Product:
- This kit includes everything you need to clean and maintain your garden tools.
5. Protect Your Soil :
Consider planting cover crops like clover or winter rye to protect and enrich your soil over the winter. Alternatively, you can spread compost to add nutrients back into the earth.
Recommended Product:
Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit
- This easy-to-use compost kit will enrich your soil naturally.
6. Take Care of Garden Hoses and Irrigation Systems :
Drain and store garden hoses to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. If you have an irrigation system, make sure it’s properly winterized.
Buy on Amazon :
- This durable hose is easy to store and resistant to freezing.
7. Plant Spring Bulbs :
Now is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. They’ll establish roots over the winter and bloom beautifully in the spring.
Buy on Amazon :
- This mix includes a variety of vibrant tulip and daffodil bulbs.