Putting the Garden to Bed for a Long Winter's Nap

Gaga For Gardening by Colleen's Contributor, Barb Bataillon

It’s the day after Halloween—perfect planting weather in most parts of the country. But, in the retail world Christmas has arrived. So, don’t be surprised when you see Christmas decorations filling the aisles of your local garden center. It makes me think of the line about settling down for a long winter’s nap in A Visit From St. Nicholas, generally attributed to Clement Clark Moore.  Our gardens will soon droop with exhaustion, and it is up to us to tuck them in and make them “snug in their beds”.

We want our plants to rest at ease, so let’s feed them to prevent sugar plums dancing around in their heads. Most garden centers sell a 10-0-10 supplement. It gives a good nitrogen boost to accelerate decomposition of the mulch we will apply, and prevents competition with plant roots for this vital nutrient. Notice the “0”. This fertilizer is potassium free. That’s important to note because an overabundance of potassium currently exists in our water tables, which puts our eco-system out of balance.

Application of a good thick blanket of mulch—4-6” deep—will keep roots warm and healthy. Mulch also helps hold moisture in and keeps the soil arable. Most tree services are more than happy to deliver chips and shreds for free. Find one working in your area and give them a call. But, be ready to move it fast or have a place where it can sit for a time.

Finally, look in on your darlings after you’ve tucked them in. Now is the best time to evaluate your garden. Decide which plants need trimming or shaping. Take care of those that don’t carry spring buds. Leave spring-bloomers, such as azaleas and camellias, until after they’ve blossomed. Some areas, where reseeding has occurred, may need reigning in. Look for signs of disease and treat it.  Once deciduous plants have dropped their leaves holes in the landscape that could benefit from evergreen “bones” become apparent. Fill them in and let them take root during the winter months.

Happy Gardening to all, and to plants a good night.