Are you looking for ways to care for your garden during the winter? If so, this blog post by Green Valley Irrigation, a reputed provider of lawn sprinklers in Toronto, is meant for you. We are going over several ways to maintain your garden throughout the harsh climate.
1. Clean Up Finished and Rotting Plants
In winter, leaves fall, and plants die which not only looks untidy but can also harbour diseases, funguses and pests. Some of these pests may lay eggs on the plants’ stalks and leaves. To prevent this, you can remove spent plants or bury them in garden trenches.The latter is recommended only if they are disease-free. By burying old plants, you will also be able to add organic matter to the soil, improve its tilth and overall health.
2. Remove Invasive Weeds
The cold season sees a lot of invasive weed growth which may disrupt next year’s crop if not removed. Dig them up and dispose of them. Avoid moving them to another part of your garden accidentally they may still remain viable in a weed pile or compost heap.
3. Prepare the Soil
Fall is a great time to add soil amendments such as compost, kelp, bone meal, rock phosphate and manure. These nutrients will start to break down, become biologically active, enrich the soil and prepare it for the spring. But make sure you cover the soil bed with plastic sheets to prevent winter rains from washing them off from their active root zone.
4. Plant Cover Crops
It’s a good idea to sow cover crops such as clover, vetch and rye in winter to prevent soil erosion. They also break up compacted areas and increase organic matter in garden beds. For instance, if you plant field peas or clover, then it will increase the level of available nitrogen for garden vegetables. Plant cover crops one month before a hard frost. Consult your seed provider to identify the best cover crop suitable for your region.
5. Trim Perennials
You should trim perennial plants to make your garden look clean but make sure you know which should be pruned and when. For example, spent raspberry canes continue to nourish the plant’s crown in the fall season, whereas, fennel plants benefit from pruning in this season. Rosemary, thyme and sage are some pruning herbs to focus on. You can also have vegetables such as rhubarb and asparagus in your garden.
6. Add Mulch
Mulching is the most effective way to keep your garden blooming in the winter. Collect many fallen leaves, leave them to rot and then spread them over the soil around the vegetables, flowers and plants. By doing so, you will protect your garden from repeated frosts and harsh cold.
7. Harvest and Restore Your Compost
You shouldn’t ignore the necessity for a compost heap.Make your own with leaves, straw or sawdust layered with food scrap items from the kitchen and add other green matter. Doing this will allow you to nourish the soil and help its growth for the next spring.
8. Divide and Plants Bulbs
Winter is an ideal time to divide and plant bulbs which may have crowded an area during the growing season or if you want a new garden display. You should dig four to eight inches away from the plant’s growing stalk which will loosen the soil. Then lift bulbs gently, separate and plant them elsewhere where you would like to see them developing in the blooming season.
Following the tips above will allow you to keep your garden clean and thriving during the harsh weather. As this season is dry and cold, you can utilize this time to prepare your garden for the next spring. If you’re planning to modify your existing landscapes or get lawn sprinklers in Toronto, then contact Green Valley Irrigation. Our top-quality products are reasonably priced and backed by our excellent customer support service.