Most gardeners go into hibernation as soon as autumn hits and don't emerge again until spring but there are plenty of things to keep a garden active throughout the winter months which don't mean you have to sit indoors gazing at your starving peace lily in your conservatory. Considering this past winter it may well be worth keeping up an active gardening plan otherwise your fingers may remain skin coloured for many months indeed.
Even if you just want to prepare for the spring you can cultivate cover crops which will not only provide you with an activity but improve the soil for the next season. Compost will also continue to decompose providing you with plenty of fuel to kick start your gardening when the sun starts to shine.
An obvious option for growing plants during the winter would be to grow them in greenhouses, cloches or cold frames. You can begin by planting bulbs such as daffodils, day lilies and tulips in the late autumn/early winter which will probably bloom towards the end of winter before the spring season even begins, so you don't have to walk out to an empty garden.
If you want to enjoy some colour over the cold months try growing them in containers or raised beds which will warm up easier, rid moisture and provide a better soil for them to survive winter. These plants may not usually be the pride of your patch but they will add life and when spring arrives you can plant them directly into the ground and watch them flourish.
If you are keen on maintaining the health of your garden through the winter it would be wise to monitor your composting and ensure it gets turned and has new organic material. This can be a valuable source of nutrients for any evergreen plants you may have but if not, will be a great resource for new plants in the next season when the compost has matured.
A variety of frost-hardy crops will make use of your soil and give a return if you want to grow some vegetables during winter. Turnips and other quick maturing vegetables can be an ideal addition which may not create exceptional results throughout winter but will still make use of your garden. - 31813
Even if you just want to prepare for the spring you can cultivate cover crops which will not only provide you with an activity but improve the soil for the next season. Compost will also continue to decompose providing you with plenty of fuel to kick start your gardening when the sun starts to shine.
An obvious option for growing plants during the winter would be to grow them in greenhouses, cloches or cold frames. You can begin by planting bulbs such as daffodils, day lilies and tulips in the late autumn/early winter which will probably bloom towards the end of winter before the spring season even begins, so you don't have to walk out to an empty garden.
If you want to enjoy some colour over the cold months try growing them in containers or raised beds which will warm up easier, rid moisture and provide a better soil for them to survive winter. These plants may not usually be the pride of your patch but they will add life and when spring arrives you can plant them directly into the ground and watch them flourish.
If you are keen on maintaining the health of your garden through the winter it would be wise to monitor your composting and ensure it gets turned and has new organic material. This can be a valuable source of nutrients for any evergreen plants you may have but if not, will be a great resource for new plants in the next season when the compost has matured.
A variety of frost-hardy crops will make use of your soil and give a return if you want to grow some vegetables during winter. Turnips and other quick maturing vegetables can be an ideal addition which may not create exceptional results throughout winter but will still make use of your garden. - 31813
About the Author:
Having trouble looking after your garden during winter? Visit Greenthumb to get a comprehensivelawn care service.
