Preparing Your Landscape for Winter

Preparing Your Landscape For Winter

There are a number of things to prepare your landscape for winter. Though a lot of the plants in your garden will be dormant soon they are still growing. So, to prepare for winter and perform some things that will give your garden a boost now for a great spring let’s talk about what will have the largest impact.

Fertilize- During winter months the fertilizer you choose can make a huge difference. Plants that go dormant like perennials and shrubs that loose their leaves won’t need nitrogen being that there are no green leaves to green up. So, look for fertilizers blended to be used in winter months that are low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium. When looking at a bag of fertilizer the three numbers represent in order Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Find the fertilizers and gardening supplies you need here! Yardiac.com - The Ultimate Garden Center

Pruning- Some plants can be pruned going into winter however we avoid a lot of winter pruning of evergreens. This is especially true in areas that are prone to freezing temperatures. Too late of pruning on evergreen shrubs can sometimes cause them to flush with new growth which is tender and can get burned by a freeze. If you have questions of what to prune when a good resource is your local county agricultural extension office.

 Once a freeze has occurred most of your perennials will need the dead growth cleaned up. This is not really necessary for the health of the plant as much for aesthetic reasons. Also enough can't be said about quality pruning equipment. Don't settle on cheap tools, your results will be well worth the money invested.

Because You're Serious About Your Yard - Find The Tools You Need Here

Mulching- Mulching is one of the most beneficial things that can be done on the winter. You should keep a 3” layer applied consistently throughout the year for the overall health of your landscape. The benefits are many. Mulch helps suppress weeds, holds moisture, adds organic matter to the soil as the mulch breaks down and insulates the root zone during the winter months.

We hope that this information is helpful in preparing your landscape for winter.  Want to learn more, Click HERE for JPC Landscaping Designs

End of Summer Tips: Part II

Overseed Where Necessary

Fix bare patches on your lawn by overseeding or applying a grass repair kit. Usually a mixture of sand, grass seed and a slow release fertilizer, these repair kits work wonders on dead spots.

Did you set up a kiddy pool or temporary gazebo? Chances are that the grass underneath has died over the summer and needs a boost to bounce back. Keep this area evenly moistened until the new seeds root and try to redirect traffic wherever possible.

Service Your Lawnmower

Grass cutting duties tend to slow down in the heat of summer, but as temperatures drop and rain falls again your lawn will need attention. Be ready by servicing your lawnmower now. A seasonal lawnmower service includes blade sharpening, an oil change and spark plug inspection, depending on what type of lawnmower you own (electric, gas or manual).

Take the time to service other essential landscaping tools, such as your trimmer (a new string or wire helps to chop down pesky weeds and keep the edges neat), pruners (oil joints and disinfect blades) and shovels (clean the blade and inspect handles for cracks and weak points).

Choose Bulbs

Start thinking about which bulbs you would like to plant this fall, providing excellent color the following spring. Your local garden center should have reputable bulb catalogues available now, and online retailers provide plenty of selection and information, including growing habits, hybrids and planting instructions. It pays to think ahead and plan, allowing you to act quickly in early winter just as bulb-planting season begins.

Start Late Summer Seedlings

Adventurous gardeners will find a wide selection of seeds to sow in late summer, including wildflowers and late annuals like icicle pansies. Investigate which flowers should be seeded now, ready for planting out in fall. Some can be sown directly into the garden with adequate watering, while others need to be established inside.

Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Many pests hit your landscape in spring, only to disappear as the summer heat rises. Others become established and enjoy the summer as much as we do, wreaking havoc in your gardens and throughout the grass.

Tackle grubs and other lawn pests with organic solutions and safe pesticides. Grub control this year often leads to fewer pests next year, so think long term and do the hard work now. Get a handle on flying pests like Japanese beetles and red lily beetles with traps, insecticidal soaps and other pest solutions.

Rest and Relax

The most important end of summer task is to relax. Make the most of every warm moment left by spending time with your family and friends outdoors. Keep your landscape tidy, attractive and comfortable by following these landscaping tips, but remember to schedule time for rest. Hang out in the backyard, by the pool or in the garden to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Stay on top of your outdoor tasks by tackling these end of summer landscaping tips. Be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fresh water and get started early in the morning to avoid the high heat of the day. Your lawn and garden will look great and prosper when these simple, yet vital tasks are taken care of.

Click HERE to see more about end of summer tips at JPCLandscapeDesigns