Winter means that colder weather is inbound. While some of us may enjoy the relief from the hot temperatures of summer, we must remember the impact the cold can have on other things like our gardens. Freezing temperatures can negatively impact the health of our soil and make it unusable for our spring and summer planting. So, you should take precautions to protect your garden so that it is ready for next spring. Here are some things that you can do to protect your garden this winter:

• Use Compost: Adding a layer of compost to your garden will allow your soil to soak up all the nutrients in the compost throughout the winter. This will help ensure that the soil is healthy and full of nutrients when planting season rolls around.

• Turn Off Your Watering System: Disconnect your hose or irrigation system before winter sets in. Cold temperatures can lead to first damage. After you disconnect the hose or irrigation system, drain out all water or use an air compressor to force out all water.

• Mulch Your Garden: Mulching your garden for the winter provides several benefits for your garden. It helps prevent the growth of invasive weeds and it acts as a layer of protection against frost damage.

• Plant Cover Crops: Plant cover crops to help prepare your soil for the successful growth of other plants in the spring and summer. They also help with preventing soil erosion, weed growth, pest infestation, and disease. Cover crops can include wheat, barley, peas, cabbage, turnips, and radish.

• Remove Weeds: Pull weeds before they get a chance to grow and spread throughout your garden. If left throughout the winter, you will have much more work to do in the spring.

• Remove Diseased Plants: Diseased plants can spread their disease to other plants throughout your garden if left unchecked. The winter leaves plants more prone to disease. So, if you already have diseased plants, you need to remove them immediately.

Visit Our Garden Nursery Today!

G & K Nursery is a garden center serving the Gainesville, FL area. Winterizing your garden will help it be best prepared for the growing season in the spring and summer. When it comes to winterizing your garden, you will need lots of supplies. Your local garden center will have everything you need such as cover crops, mulch, and gardening tools. So, come visit us today for all your gardening supplies!