Preparing Your Garden for Winter (and Spring)
By Harry Love, Master Gardener
Colorado State University Extension, Larimer County
October 4, 2008
Here are a few suggested items for your fall gardening "to-do" list. When spring arrives, you'll be glad you took some of these easy steps to help your yard and garden come through winter in good condition, ready to flourish.
Did You Say "Winter Watering"?
This is one of the most important, yet least employed tactics for sustaining plant vigor. Even experienced Front Range gardeners often fail to water adequately through the winter, only to find their trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns in crisis as summer arrives. Insufficiently watered plants often suffer root damage during winter, and emerge looking healthy, but succumb to disease or insects. Plants and turf in south- or west-facing locations, especially near heat-reflecting structures, are particularly vulnerable to damage. To draw attention to this critical topic, CSU has produced Fact Sheet 7.211, "Fall & Winter Watering". Contact your Extension Office and ask for this publication or visit the web site at http://www.ext.colostate.edu, click on Yard & Garden, then Fact Sheets & Publications.
Evaluate and Plan for Next Spring
While preparing for winter, consider areas of your landscape to enhance or renovate next spring. During the winter, consult CSU Extension and other sources for plant varieties that can improve your landscape while conserving water.
Clean Existing Beds
Remove spent annuals while clearing weeds to reduce habitat for overwintering pests. Perennials that have winter interest or provide food for birds should remain uncut. If in doubt about what to cut back, just leave them until spring or until they begin to detract from your garden's appearance.
Plant and Transplant
Consider where you'd like to have spring flowering bulbs and plant them in October. Divide and transplant perennials to enhance the health of your existing plants and provide more coverage with some of your favorites. Fall is a great time to plant and transplant since most plant energy goes into root development. With proper planting and care, plants that have developed healthy roots during the fall and winter are better prepared for spring growth and summer stress.
Trees and Shrubs
Cleaning out leaves and other debris is particularly important with aspen and other poplars, which are susceptible to foliar diseases. Destroying diseased leaves is the primary way to prevent a recurrence.
Mulch around the base of shrubs after the first frost when the soil begins to freeze. Avoid creating insect habitat by keeping mulch six inches away from the base of shrubs and trees.
Turfgrass
CSU turfgrass experts recommend "winterizing" your lawn by early November, applying at least one pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. For maximum effectiveness, turf must be green and soil must be moist when the fertilizer is applied. October is also a great time to aerate, especially when you're over-seeding to fill in bare spots in your lawn.
Vegetable Gardens
Weeding and removing dead plant material will reduce the amount of habitat for overwintering insects and fungal spores. Make plans to rotate spring crops to avoid soil-borne diseases and maintain good soil vigor. Consider planting a "green manure" crop like annual rye or clover, which can be turned under in the spring to add nitrogen and organic material to your garden.
Garden Tools
Take time to clean, sharpen and oil your garden tools. You will not only extend their useful life, but also enjoy finding your tools ready for action in the spring. Drain and store water hoses but keep one handy for winter watering.
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