Fall has arrived, and winter is just around the corner! If you haven’t started preparing your garden and landscaping for the colder months, now is the time. Once temperatures dip below 40°F, the ground will freeze, and your plants will enter hibernation mode. To help you keep your garden healthy and vibrant, here are six steps to ready your yard for the cold season.
1. Wrap Up Fall Planting
This is your last chance for fall planting! Many gardeners opt to plant perennials like hardy garden mums in autumn. These plants can establish roots just before the first frost, adding pops of fall color now and vibrant growth in spring. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, landscaping can increase property value by up to 12%. Just remember to plant ASAP, as the colder ground makes it harder for plants to root.
2. Apply Slow-Release Fertilizer
Prepare your trees and shrubs for winter with slow-release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer provides a steady supply of nutrients over time, helping plants stay strong against pests and disease. Since slow-release fertilizers are often organic, they also enrich the surrounding soil as they break down, making them ideal for supporting plants through the chilly months.
3. Rake and Recycle Leaves
Raking leaves is more than a seasonal chore – it’s essential for your lawn’s health. Wet, piled-up leaves can smother grass, so be sure to clear them away. Consider turning them into mulch to recycle nutrients back into your soil. Mulching with leaves not only helps protect your grass but also enriches your garden beds for next year.
4. Mulch for Insulation
Mulching protects plant roots from temperature swings and helps suppress weeds. A layer of two to four inches of mulch around your plants is usually ideal; just be sure to leave a bit of space around the stems. This keeps the soil temperature stable and adds organic matter to the soil, promoting healthier growth come spring.
5. Prune Carefully
Pruning is best done once plants are dormant, as it’s easier to see which branches need to be trimmed. This not only helps the plant look tidy but also reduces the risk of disease spreading in winter. By removing dead or decaying branches, you’re helping your trees stay healthy and resilient through the colder months.
6. Scale Back on Watering
As the weather cools, reduce watering to protect your plants from root freeze. During warmer, dry weeks, water sparingly, and pause if you receive over an inch of rainfall. Once temperatures dip into the 30s, avoid watering altogether to keep your plants’ roots from freezing.
Stock Up on Landscaping Supplies
Having the right supplies is essential for keeping your yard in top shape through fall and winter. If you need mulch, rocks, pavers, or other landscaping materials, Gateway Home and Garden Center has everything you need. We’re here to help you find the best products to protect your yard. Contact Gateway Home and Garden Center to learn more about our supplies and get expert advice on preparing your yard for the cold.
Taking these steps will keep your yard healthy and ready for a stunning return in spring! Happy gardening!
We are conveniently located at the intersection of Route 29 and Vint Hill Road in Warrenton, VA. Our Garden Center was opened in 2005 to serve the people of Gainesville, Nokesville and Warrenton.
The Gateway Home & Garden Center has all of the products you need to complete your outdoor projects, from regular landscaping maintenance, to hardscapes and more complex landscaping needs. You’ll find everything you’re looking for at Gateway Garden Center.
