Garden Maintenance Tips For Winter

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 15:39

If you thought gardening is not for winter then it is important for you to know that winter can be the best time for planting. Planting at this time of the year means that the heat of the summer is past and the approaching rainfall will provide ample water to the still warm soil to support quick and deep rooting of the plants. Plants in winter transpire less and have lesser water requirements.

Landscape plants are best planted during the fall-winter season. It may be difficult to maintain gardens during winter because of snow, sleet and wind, as they can cause considerable damage to even the best maintained gardens.

Prepping your garden during winter may actually become a never ending task so here are a few tips on winter garden maintenance which will suggest you on how to make your garden look beautiful all through the year.

1.Avoid over watering plants: Do not water plants if they acquire a dry, brownish appearance during this time. It is normal for plants to 'rest' and the problem will correct itself in time.

2.Collect Seeds : Before you clear out all the dead and dried up flower waste from your garden, make sure you collect any seeds that you want to grow in the spring. The best, and most affordable, way to grow plants is to start with what you already have in your garden.

3.Clear Garden Debris: The arrival of fall brings on the addition of garden debris that needs to get cleared out before winter arrives. Collect dead leaves, plants, and other garden debris that tends to pile up. Doing this will help you keep pests and small rodents under control as they like to use debris piles for shelter during the cold winter months.

4.Be watchful for bugs: Learn to recognize symptoms of bug problems. Take immediate steps to treat infestations with proper chemicals.

5.Maintain proper humidity: Humidity is important as dry heat in the house may be damaging to the plants. A simple yet effective way to add moisture is to have a pot of boiling water around. This can work wonders for the plants.

6.Place the plants wisely around the house: Plants which thrive in the shade should be placed where the sun does not hit them directly. Others that require direct sunlight should be placed near windows in a way that would let them be in direct sunlight most of the day which will allow them to grow healthily.

Winter has its own advantage, so keep these tips in mind and follow them so that it will let your plants give you the prettiest flowers and lovely foliage to warm you up with beautiful colors even during cold months.