How to Prep Your Garden for Spring During the Winter

I know it seems like winter will never end but before you know it, your flowers will start to bloom and there will be small pops of color peaking up from the ground. This spring make sure your garden looks amazing and is set up for success by learning exactly how to prep your garden for spring during the winter months. Whether you are looking to learn how to prep a garden bed for spring or just want to make sure that your plants have the best chance of surviving the cold, we have got your back with pro gardening tips and tricks.

I know what you are thinking, why do I have to do anything to my plants in the winter, won’t the plants just grow back on your own? While that can be partially true, you may actually be missing out on the best blooms in your garden and you can be causing your garden harm by not preparing it for the winter. Over the past years, I have prepped my plants for the spring during late fall and I have also neglected them during the winter and I am here to say that it actually does make a difference! Giving your plants alittle extra love before spring comes around can make a huge impact in the way your plants grow when it gets warmer out.

In this blog post, we will show you how to prep your garden for spring while it is still cold out. From methods on how to prepare your garden for spring planting to garden planning ideas, we have ideas that will inspire you to get out there in the cold!

This blog post is all about how to prep your garden for spring.

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How to Prepare Your Garden For Spring Planting

Now, let’s uncover the best ways to prepare your garden for spring during the winter months.

Clean Up

Cleaning your garden may not seem like an important task for your plants to thrive in the spring but it is actually one of the best ways you can care for your plants in the winter months to prepare for your spring blooms.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN BY CLEANING IT UP:

• Clear Away Debris– Be sure to remove any fallen branches, leaves, and old mulch so pests don’t get to your plants.
• Cut Back Dead Growth– Take the time to trim any dead or damaged stems to prevent diseases from spreading throughout your plant.
• Turn Your Soil- If it is not already frozen, lightly turn your soil to help air it out and improve drainage
• Clean Up Your Garden Beds– Edge your beds, clean up pathways, and remove weeds before they spread during the winter.

Protect & Nurture During Winter

You may have seen your neighbors or a local farmer cover their plants during the winter with a burlap or protective cover and you may be wondering if you should be doing the same, here are some reasons why you should protect your plants during the winter and how to take the proper steps.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PLANTS DURING THE WINTER:

Mulch Heavily

• Add a layer of mulch or straw to protect your plants roots from freeze damage. This method keeps soil warmer and prevents erosion in your garden area.
• Feed your soil by spreading compost, manure, or leaf mold that way nutrients can break down over the winter months and into your garden.
• Cover your delicate plants by using burlap, frost cloths, or plastic tunnels to shield sensitive plants.

PLANTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO COVER:

• Young trees or shrubs that have not matured enough to survive the cold specifically any fruit trees, hydrangeas or boxwoods.
• Tender perennials like Geraniums, Dahlias, Cannas, Begonias, Hibiscus
• Container plants because their roots are not warmed up from the ground.

TIP: Bring the container plants closer to the house or shed to help shield them from the winds.

Planting and Planning Your Garden

The colder months can be the best time to plan exactly what you want your garden to look like because you aren’t as busy maintaining it. Here are some ways that you can plan your garden for the spring:

• Plan your garden layout by deciding what you’ll plant and where you want it planted.
• Order your seeds beforehand in the winter because some seeds can be hard to find or can sell out.
• Invest in a plant journal to jot down your gardens progress, notes of plant care, or even a maintenance schedule for your garden.
• Start Seeds Indoors by growing herbs, tomatoes, and other plants under a grow light to get them strong for the spring.

Making Your Garden Pretty

The final thing that you can do in our guide on how to prep your garden beds for spring is add those pretty finishing touches.

• Refresh your planters and pots by looking at what containers you have and tackling a DIY by painting them a fresh color.
• Add garden lights like solar lights, lanterns, or hard wired lights to make your garden glow at night.
• Decorate your garden by adding new stepping stones, a birdbath, or wind chimes for that cozy garden aesthetic.

This blog post was all about how to prep your garden for spring.

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