Mind The Mulch
Tag: winter
The Winter Series: Winter Vegetable Gardening
Winter vegetable gardening can be a great way to grow fresh produce even in the colder months of the year. With the right planning and preparation, you can enjoy fresh greens, root vegetables, and other crops throughout the winter. Tip #1 - Select Cold Hardy Veggies One of the keys to successful winter vegetable gardening is selecting the right varieties. Many vegetables that do well in the summer will not survive the cold winter temperatures, so it is important to choose varieties that are specifically bred to be hardy in cold weather. Some good options include kale, spinach, cabbage, carrots, and turnips. Tip #2 - Provide Sunlight Another important consideration is the location of your garden. Winter vegetables need...
The Winter Series: Winter Wildlife Gardening
Winter can be a challenging time for wildlife, as food and shelter become scarce. However, by incorporating a few simple elements into your garden, you can create a winter haven for wildlife and provide much-needed support for our feathered and furry friends during this difficult time. Here are some tips for creating a winter wildlife garden: Provide Food Food sources can be limited in the winter, so it's important to provide food for wildlife. This can be done by planting winter-blooming plants, such as witch hazel, and by installing bird feeders and providing seeds and suet. Keep in mind that you should only offer food that is appropriate for the local species. Offer Shelter Winter weather can be harsh,...
The Winter Series: Winter Landscape Lighting
Winter landscape lighting can be a great way to add both function and beauty to your outdoor spaces during the colder months of the year. By thoughtfully lighting your garden, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, even on the darkest and coldest of days. One of the key elements of winter landscape lighting is to focus on the paths and walkways. Properly lighting the pathways in your garden can help to create a sense of drama and to guide visitors through the garden. Path lights and bollard lights are both great options for illuminating walkways. These fixtures can be placed along the edges of the path, helping to light the way while also providing visual interest. Another key...
The Winter Series: Winter Landscape Design
Winter can be a difficult time for many gardeners, as the barren trees and brown grass can make outdoor spaces look dull and uninviting. However, with a little bit of thought and creativity, you can design a winter landscape that is both beautiful and functional. One of the most important elements of winter landscape design is the use of evergreens. These trees and shrubs keep their leaves throughout the winter and provide a lush, green background for the rest of the garden. Some popular evergreen options include pine, spruce, and juniper. Another key element of winter landscape design is the use of color. Although many flowers and plants are dormant during the winter, there are still plenty of options for...
The Winter Series: Winter Maintenance 101
Winter is a unique time of year for landscape maintenance, as the harsh weather conditions can present their own set of challenges. However, with a little preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your outdoor spaces looking beautiful even during the colder months. Here are some tips for winter landscape maintenance to help you get started. 1. Clear Away Debris Fall leaves and branches can accumulate quickly in the winter, so it's important to keep your lawn and beds clear of debris. This not only keeps your landscape looking neat and tidy, but it also helps to prevent damage from heavy snow and ice. 2. Protect Your Plants The cold weather and harsh winds can take a toll...
The Winter Series: Winter Lawn Care
Winter can be a difficult time for lawn care, as the colder temperatures and shorter days can make it hard to keep your lawn looking its best. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can keep your lawn healthy and green even during the winter months. One of the most important steps in winter lawn care is to make sure that your lawn is healthy and well-nourished going into the winter. This means that you should fertilize your lawn in the fall, using a fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients help to strengthen the roots and protect the lawn from the cold winter temperatures. Another key step in winter lawn care is to...
The Winter Series: Winter Pruning Tips
Winter is a great time to prune many trees and shrubs, as the dormant trees will not bleed sap and the leafless shrubs make it easy to see the structure. Pruning in winter can also help to shape and control the growth of your plants, as well as promote healthy new growth in the spring. Here are some tips for winter pruning to help you get started. Tip #1 - Start with the Basics Pruning is all about removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as shaping and controlling the growth of your plants. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and then move on to shaping and controlling the growth of your plants. Tip #2...