Winter may not be the most popular season for gardening, but the right garden maintenance can help you get a jump start on healthy plant growth as soon as spring comes around. Before temperatures drop, here are a few tasks to add to your checklist.

4 Garden Maintenance Tips for Winter

1. Plant Cold Weather Crops

There are plenty of plants that are well-suited for growth throughout the winter. You can add cold-weather vegetables like garlic, spring bulbs like tulips, or even perennials like shrubs. Planting them now allows the roots to form early so they’ll be ready to thrive when spring rolls around.

2. Clean Beds

Make sure you clear away weeds, debris, and dead plants from any unused planters. Pests and diseases can fester throughout the winter and then take hold of new plants you decide to put there. Starting fresh can give your spring garden a better chance to thrive.

3. Add Compost & Fertilizer

The garden will also be better off if the soil is already fertile come spring. When you add these materials early, it gives them time to break down and add essential nutrients to the soil throughout the season.

4. Cover With Mulch

Even in mild winters, mulch helps insulate the ground and protect it from precipitation. Once you’ve cleaned the soil and added nutrients, sprinkle a couple of inches of hardwood mulch, straw, or even leaves from nearby trees. These materials will also break down throughout the season and add even more nutrients to the ground.

 

If you’re looking for fertilizer or plant food for your winter garden maintenance, look no further than Nelson Plant Food. The Bellville, TX-based company provides custom-blended plant food to retailers, home gardeners, growers, and landscapers. With more than 35 years in business, the family-owned and -operated company is known for providing quality garden products and eco-friendly solutions that help gardeners create bigger blooms, better color, and stronger root systems. You can view a selection of products on the company’s website, or call (979) 865-8596 to speak with a team member.