GARDEN HACKS...
DIY Frost Protection
DIY Frost Protection
DIY Frost Protection
Use old sheets, blankets, or bubble wrap to cover tender plants during unexpected frost. Plastic milk jugs with the bottoms cut off can act as mini greenhouses.
Compost Shortcut
DIY Frost Protection
DIY Frost Protection
Chop up leaves and dead plants with a lawn mower before adding them to your compost. Smaller pieces break down faster, enriching your soil quicker.
Natural Pest Control
DIY Frost Protection
Natural Pest Control
Sprinkle crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around plants to deter slugs and snails. They also add nutrients to the soil as they break down.
Mulch for Free
Repurpose Household Items
Natural Pest Control
Rake fallen leaves and shred them with a mower to create instant mulch. Layer it around your plants for insulation and soil enrichment.
Label Bulbs and Beds
Repurpose Household Items
Repurpose Household Items
Use painted rocks, popsicle sticks, or wine corks as markers to remember where you planted bulbs or to label garden beds for spring.
Repurpose Household Items
Repurpose Household Items
Repurpose Household Items
Old spoons make great plant markers; write names with a permanent marker. Use toilet paper rolls to protect young seedlings or as biodegradable seed starters.
GARDENING 101
Preparing Your Garden For Winter
Preparing your garden for winter is essential to protect plants and ensure a healthy start for the next growing season. Here’s a guide to get your garden ready:
1. Clean Up the Garden
- Remove Dead Plants: Clear out any dead or diseased plants to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
- Weed Thoroughly: Remove weeds to minimize competition for nutrients in spring.
- Dispose Properly: Compost healthy plant material, but discard diseased plants to avoid contamination.
2. Care for the Soil
- Amend with Compost: Spread a layer of compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
- Mulch: Apply mulch around perennials and over empty beds to protect roots and reduce soil erosion.
3. Protect Perennials and Shrubs
- Prune: Cut back perennials, but leave some seed heads for birds.
- Wrap Delicate Plants: Use burlap or frost cloth to shield tender plants from harsh winds and frost.
4. Plant for Spring
- Plant Bulbs: This is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
- Garlic and Onions: Sow garlic and onion sets for an early summer harvest.
5. Take Care of Trees and Shrubs
- Water Deeply: Hydrate them before the ground freezes.
- Add Mulch: Insulate the base with a thick layer of mulch.
6. Prepare Lawn and Hardscaping
- Aerate and Reseed: For lawns, aerate and reseed any thin patches.
- Protect Tools and Furniture: Clean, oil, and store garden tools; cover outdoor furniture.
7. Support Wildlife
- Leave Habitat: Keep some brush piles or standing perennials for overwintering insects.
- Provide Water and Feeders: Place bird feeders and a water source for local wildlife.
8. Plan for Next Year
- Take Notes: Reflect on what worked well and what didn’t this season.
- Order Seeds: Start planning your garden layout and ordering seeds early.
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