Since the colder months will be rolling in fairly soon, it needs autumn leaves, dying flower gardens, and a lot of chores. Actually, most people rush tend to cover up the patio furniture and stash the barbecue.
But you really need to keep in mind that winter-proofing your garden is about more than just the obvious stuff. Here is the thing, there are a few key steps that often get overlooked (or at least the average person just does not seem to realize). It is the ones that can make all the difference when spring finally shows its face.
So, whether it is protecting your plants or making sure your garden shed survives the cold, these often-missed tips will help keep your garden in great shape until warmer days return.
Do Not Forget About Your Soil
While sure, it is easy to focus on plants when preparing for winter, but the soil itself can really take a beating. You just really need to keep in mind that cold weather, frost, and heavy rain can compact the soil, making it harder for water to drain properly. This leaves the soil tough and less welcoming for your plants when things finally thaw out. But what exactly can you do? Well, to keep your soil in top condition, you may want to try covering your garden beds with a layer of mulch or compost.
This helps insulate the ground and protect it from getting too compacted under snow or rain. Most people know to mulch in the summer months to keep moisture in (and the harsh sunlight from causing too much damage), but it can still help in the colder months, too. Plus, the mulch gives some extra nutrients.
Protect Your Garden’s Structures
Sheds, greenhouses, and other garden structures can take quite a hit during the winter months. It is something a lot of people seem to not realize until it is actually too late. Sometimes, it can be a leak, mold growing, flooding, or even the wind doing some damage. So, for starters, you are going to have to look into the foundation. This time of year, it is usually raining a lot, so the foundation might take a hit.
So you are going to want to make sure your shed bases (and yes, that includes whatever other structure you have outside) are solid and that no moisture seeps inside. It really does not take much to check on this, and at the end of the day (or season), it does save a lot of headaches, too.
Keep Wildlife In Check
As the temperature drops, critters like mice, squirrels, and birds are on the lookout for a warm place to hunker down. Now, you need to realize that your shed, greenhouse, or even a pile of garden debris might seem like a perfect hideaway for them. And while it is nice to think of helping wildlife, having them gnawing on your garden tools or furniture is not quite as charming.
So, you need to remove debris, bird seeds, or feeders and seal up cracks or gaps, too. Honestly, a little goes a long way in preventing these sorts of beaches.
