As the seasons change, many gardeners become exhausted, as do their plants. But before you hang up the garden tools, make sure your garden is ready for winter by completing the last few jobs. This will make it easier for your garden to start spring. Consider these tips and links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.
- When natural rainfall is sparse and the ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated.
- Blow out Irrigation systems.
- After the final harvest, remove all vines, stems, leaves and other debris from the vegetable garden.
- Cut perennials down to the ground after the foliage has died back. This allows most of the energy to be stored in the roots for next year's growth. When older perennials become crowded or begin to die out in the middle, divide them by cutting the clump in half or thirds with a spade or garden fork.
- Winterizing your lawn mower and rototiller by venting the gas or adding a fuel stabilizer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Clean and sharpen garden tools and treat them with oil or other rust preventatives.
- Disconnect the hoses from the gargoyles to prevent freeze damage.
- If this is not the last time you have mowed your lawn, cut it to a height of 1 to 1 inch to minimize disease problems.
- Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer after the last mowing for early greening next spring.
- For a complete list of yard and garden setup tips, see Click here.
- Consider taking one Online gardening courseor give one as a gift this holiday season. Use promo code GARDEN25 for 25% off through November. General gardening tips can be found at garden.usu.edu Here you can find resources, courses, etc Expansion Gardening Almanac with monthly tips.