Are you interested in learning more about winter gardening? Call American Native Plants!
Just because it is getting cold outside does not mean you need to stop gardening. Consider tending to a winter garden through these chilly months to keep honing your green thumb. There are plenty of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants to choose from this season to keep you busy until the frost starts to melt come springtime. Although planting a winter garden can seem overwhelming, it is actually quite simple. Follow the tips in this article to make the most of this season and start planning your winter garden today.
Consider Frost
First, find out the average date of the first frost in your region. Frost will be lethal to most plants, but hardy winter crops will be able to withstand the freezing temperatures if you plant them early enough. You can find out when your first frost will be by speaking to your local garden authorities or by searching your zip code online. Plant your winter crops six to eight weeks before your first frost is projected to be.
Once you have planned, be sure to rework your soil before you plant. Use a shovel or a hoe to break up the dirt to loosen and remove the roots from summer crops. A spade should be used to loosen the ground do at least a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Reworking the soil like this will make it much easier to plant your winter crops so they can more easily extend their roots into the soil.
Choosing Plants
Next, you must choose your winter crops. Try to plant a variety so that you avoid having monotonous meals over the winter months. You can choose from an abundance of options, including beets, carrots, rutabaga, parsnips, leeks, kohlrabi, chives, radishes, and more.
In addition to food plants, you can also choose to plant some winter flowers. These will be beautiful and help to cut through the dry, cold landscape. Winter-tolerant flowers can survive even when the air temperatures go below 45F, but they may wilt during a heavy frost. Consult a professional at American Native Plants to help you choose the best winter plants
American Native Plants Can Help
Whether you are ready to plant your own winter garden or you still have some more questions, American Native Plants is here to help you with all your gardening needs. We can provide you with the right plants for the job with an inventory of over 400 thousand native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Look through our catalog or give us a call anytime! For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!