Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Depending on where you live, you may already be enjoying a winter wonderland (Yes, I admit - I love snow!). And just because your garden may be hiding underneath a blanket of snow doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish some very useful gardening tasks. In fact, this might be a great time to do some of things you don’t have time to do during warmer months when you’re busy working outside. For instance, have you ever wanted to take a class on growing your own garden? How about basic
rose care? Or ideas for mixed containers? This is a great time to educate yourself so that you’re all ready to go in the spring. Ask your local gardening club for recommendations on classes or workshops.
General Gardening Tasks
- Check stored produce (like winter squash) and remove any damaged or rotten fruit.
- Start thinking about plans for next year’s garden.
- Clean gardening equipment (and sharpen any with blades) before storing.
- Build garden structures you’ll need for the upcoming growing season.
Northeast
- Enroll in a gardening workshop or course.
- Plan a vacation visit to a botanical garden. To find a botanical garden near you, visit http://www.publicgardens.org/gardens.
- Avoid overwatering houseplants.
South
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Open cold frames on warm days and close on cool nights.
Midwest
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On mild days, repair garden fences or lay a stone walkway.
Mountain States
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Use branches or other pruning remnants to hold down mulch.
- Clean up houseplants.
Southwest
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Sow seeds of hardy vegetables in frost-free areas.
- Mulch your strawberry patch.
- Prune trees.
California
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Prune and shape conifers.
- In warmer sections of the state, plant gladioli.
Pacific Northwest
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Water evergreens before the ground freezes.
- Stakes newly planted trees and shrubs.
See? All sorts of fun tasks to accomplish in the garden this month. So get out your winter coats and get to work!
