Winter is upon us, and as the chill sets in, gardening seems to take a hiatus for a lot of people, but we’re here to tell you not to pack your gardening gloves away just yet! There’s plenty to do even when Jack Frost is nipping at your perennials.
Sure, the urge to lock up the garden gate is strong after the frenzy of spring and the bounty of summer. But a little effort now means a lot less hustle come springtime.
So, what’s on the agenda for a winter garden? Turns out quite a bit. We need to be tidying up and tucking in. There’s a whole host of tasks to ensure your garden’s success come warmer days, and we’ve got the key tips to help you create a thriving vegetable garden during winter.
The Primary Winter Garden Tasks
We’ll begin by identifying and tackling the main tasks for our winter garden makeover. These include:
- Pruning: Think of it as giving your plants a fresh haircut to spruce them up for the coming season. Snip away dead or damaged branches to make room for new growth come spring. Roses and deciduous trees thrive on good winter pruning.
- Mulching: This is essentially tucking your plants in with a cosy blanket. Mulch shields them from frosty nights and keeps those pesky weeds at bay.
- Plant winter veggies: Cauliflower, carrots, radishes—all veggies that thrive in chillier temps. Plant them now, and you’ll be harvesting crunchy goodness while others are still thawing out.
- Cleanup duty: While some spent plants can hang around to decompose and nourish the soil, others might be playing host to unwanted guests like disease or pests. Bid farewell to those troublemakers and leave the rest to do their soil-protecting, pollinator-harbouring magic throughout the winter.
Revitalising the Garden for Spring
Look at winter as a time to gear up for the grand revival of our gardens come spring. Composting and cleanup give your veggie patch a spa day. Add a generous layer of compost to nourish the soil and bid farewell to any lingering remnants of last season’s plants. A little TLC now sets the stage for a flourishing garden later.
Now, onto the blueprints for spring. Use these quieter winter months to map out your garden’s future. Where will the tomatoes go? Which corner gets the sunniest spot for those vibrant blooms? It’s like plotting a masterpiece, one seed at a time.
And speaking of seeds, let’s not forget about our winter herbs. Thyme, rosemary, sage—pop them in containers for easy-peasy management and enjoy fresh flavours all season long.
It’s time to give our soil some love. While most folks save soil amending for spring, why wait? Sprinkle on some manure, compost, or organic fertilisers now, and let them work their magic over the winter months. By spring, your soil will be singing with nutrients, ready to fuel your garden’s growth.
Pro tip: Mulch is your soil’s best friend. Lay it on thick to keep those precious nutrients from washing away during winter rains. Come spring, your soil will thank you with a bounty of blooms and veggies galore.
Winter Care for Established Plants
Now, let’s talk about giving some extra love to our seasoned veterans in the garden—the established plants that have weathered many a season with us.
First up, our citrus trees. Winter is like a power-up for these guys. It’s the prime time to give them a boost with some fertiliser – a little extra pep talk to produce those juicy fruits we love so much.
Winter watering is all about finding that sweet spot—not too much, not too little. Moderate watering is the name of the game in winter. Check the soil before you break out the watering can to avoid drowning those roots.
Cover crops are another great winter consideration. These babies save our soil from erosion and compacted areas. Late summer or early winter is the best time to plant cover crops like rye, vetch, or clover. They beef up our soil with organic goodness and work their magic in increasing nitrogen levels for our beloved veggies. And don’t worry about timing; cover crops are a forgiving bunch. Plant them about a month before that first killing frost, and they’ll do their thing.
Indoor Winter Gardening
As we’re spending a lot of time inside during winter, our attention naturally turns to our indoor gardens! Bumping the quality of our indoor plants helps us forget about the dreary weather outside. Microgreens are pint-sized powerhouses that are perfect for indoor spaces, packing a punch of nutrients without taking up much room. Plus, there are plenty of mess-free growing methods, so you won’t have to worry about soil getting everywhere. Just watch those little green babies shoot up and add some freshness to your winter meals.
As the temperatures drop outside, it’s time to give our indoor greenery a little extra TLC. Don’t be alarmed if they start shedding a few leaves; it’s just their way of adjusting to lower light levels indoors. And speaking of light, keep an eye on those temperature extremes. Houseplants might be chill with your cosy indoor temps, but they’re not fans of sudden hot or cold drafts. So, steer clear of cold drafts, radiators, and hot air vents to keep your green pals happy and thriving all winter long.
Preparing for Spring Growth
During winter, it’s important to set our sights on the horizon and start gearing up for that glorious burst of spring growth. Kickstart your veggie garden by starting seeds indoors. Capsicum and tomatoes thrive when given a head start indoors during the winter months. Come spring, you’ll be ahead of the game with sturdy seedlings ready to transplant into the great outdoors.
Planting bulbs like tulips and daffodils in winter sets the stage for a breathtaking spring display. Don’t forget about the divide-and-conquer bulb strategy. Some of our flowering friends, like lilies, might be feeling a bit cramped after their springtime show. Give them some breathing room by digging them up, dividing the bulbs, and transplanting them to new spots in the garden.
Winter Weed Control
Let’s talk about a not-so-fun part of gardening: weeds. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean those pesky invaders take a break. Tackle those weeds head-on and do some pre-spring weeding. By nipping them in the bud now, you’ll save yourself a ton of headaches when spring rolls around. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active in the garden during the colder months.
While doing this, consider some mulch. Just like in the summertime, mulching in winter works wonders for our garden beds. Not only does it keep moisture in and erosion out, but it also acts as a barrier against those sneaky weeds trying to take over. And here’s a bonus: as the mulch breaks down, you’re giving your soil a little pick-me-up with fresh organic goodness.
By putting in the work now, you’re ensuring a stellar growing season ahead and a healthier, happier garden come springtime. Don’t let the winter blues dampen your gardening spirit. Embrace the chill, roll up your sleeves, and get to work; we certainly will be in EBV’s rooftop and podium gardens!