Compost will do wonderful things in the winter. The unfinished compost creates heat up to 160 degrees F and the bacteria in the soil will enrich the organic matter. A good way to protect your
perennials and bulbs from frost is to place your
compost pile on top. When the compost has completed its transformation the results are a terrific amendment for the soil. This humus absorbs moisture, aerates the soil, and is rich in nutrients. This all helps make your spring gardening go a little smoother.
You can protect your garden soil and help winter plants that you have growing by spreading out a layer of mulch. Insulating the roots of plants can be done by using wood chips or shredded bark. The darker colored mulch can absorb the suns heat and smother out winter weeds. All you really need is about a 4 inch layer of mulch.
When it comes to the health and fruit production of your fruit trees pruning is a must. Besides pruning you need to remove all leaves and shriveled fruit from the trees and surrounding ground. If you had any diseases on your fruit trees last season you do not want to pass them back onto the trees, so this removal is important. If you built basins around your trees and shrubs for watering you want to break them apart so the rains of winter will not puddle and possibly cause disease. You can always rebuild the basins in spring.
The dead plants from your vegetable garden can be added to your compost pile. If your compost pile is uncovered you may want to cover it with a tarp to keep in the nutrients and to keep it warm enough to compost. Rake the leaves from the lawn or
landscaping and place them in your flower garden as mulch or put them in your compost pile. If there are leaves already in your flower garden leave them there so they will compost over the winter and embellish your soil.
Some of the other
gardeners chores during the winter are to maintain your garden tools. Before you store them away for the winter spray them with water to remove any corrosive chemicals or dirt that you may have acquired. Do a bit of scrubbing with a wire brush and dry thoroughly before storing. You should also oil all moving parts of garden tools such as your pruners and loppers. Check the manuals of all your mechanical tools and do the suggested yearly maintenance such as sharpening, tightening bolts or screws and replacing parts if necessary. You want all your
garden tools to be in good shape when you pick them up again in the spring.
