If you’re an avid gardener, then winter is probably your least favorite season because not too much will grow in the wintertime. If you live in one of the northern states, you are likely experiencing quite a bit of snow this winter. You may not even be able to view your garden area.
However, there are things you can be doing during the winter to get ready for spring.
Garden Planning
Winter is a great time to be thinking about what you will grow in the springtime. Map out your garden on paper or on the computer. Research plants that you want to grow in the springtime.
Sometimes it can help to draw a rough picture of your backyard. If you have a fence, begin there. What plants will look best grown up against your fence? Below are a few examples:
- Hollyhocks
- Delphiniums
- Foxglove
- Clematis
- Cherry laurel
- Boxwood
As your garden area moves forward, you’ll want plants that are progressively shorter. At the edge, it’s usually best to grow a ground cover like Red Creeping Thyme. This is a colorful plant that will cover the sparse areas of the ground. Sedum also works well.
Some small trees are also a good idea to create interest in your garden. Crape Myrtle is a well-known smaller tree that provides shade, lovely blooms and even fragrance for your yard. These are hardy trees too, that do well in colder climates. There are dozens of varieties and colors to choose from. This will mostly depend on your own tastes and preferences. Crape Myrtle can be planted right in the middle of your garden or out in the open around the yard.
Plant Research
During the winter, you can do some research on Crape Myrtle, ground cover, flowering plants and everything else you want to grow. Many gardeners enjoy fragrant plants because they attract hummingbirds, bees and other beneficial insects.
Get the Tools Ready
Winter is a great time to check out all your mowers, tillers and garden tools. You can clean and lubricate them. Inspect hoses to see what needs to be replaced. Your mower might need a few parts replaced. Take inventory of mulches and fertilizers you have on hand. Once you get all these tasks done, you can make a list of things that need to be done. You’ll know what needs replacing or repair. Getting these chores completed before springtime will ensure that you are ready once the weather begins to warm up.
A garden is a work in progress that changes from season to season and year to year. Gardeners with experience are aware of this fact and have even learned to appreciate how fleeting their outside places are.
When a plant outgrows or underperforms in its current location, it’s best to choose a replacement. Try some new and different plants this coming year. Think outside the box and choose some plants you might not have experience with. This provides a great learning experience.
The Gardening Bug
Gardeners never stop tinkering, never stop developing, and never stop dreaming. When one area of their property is beautiful, they move on to the next. That’s often because gardening is relaxing. It’s therapeutic. Plus, you get rewarded with a beautiful yard. Even if you only have a small space, you can develop a beautiful garden there.
References:
20+ Garden Ideas – Inspirational Gardening Ideas | Garden Design
Garden Tools, Planters, Raised Garden Beds +More | Gardener’s Supply (gardeners.com)
