During the winter months, it is important to ensure that your garden stays in good condition. This includes taking the necessary steps to water your plants. This will help to keep them hydrated, as well as providing the nutrients needed to keep them healthy.
Leave out feeders for birds
During the cold season, it is important to leave out feeders for birds in your garden. This is a simple task that helps your birds survive. There are many different foods that you can feed them.
One of the best all-round seeds is small black-oil sunflower seed. This seed has a thin coating that is easy for birds to crack open. The high oil content means it costs a little more.
Some species, like northern cardinals, love black oil sunflower seed. The seeds can be hung in a tubular feeder or as a spray.
Other winter foods include peanuts, which should be offered in a tube-shaped metal mesh feeder. Blue jays and American robins both enjoy peanuts.
Water is a critical ingredient in your winter feeding program. The temperature of your bird bath should be above freezing to prevent the water from freezing. You can also purchase a birdbath heater to help keep the water from freezing.
Water plants sparingly
Taking the time to water plants sparingly during the winter months is an important activity that can benefit both you and your plant. This is because your plants will be growing less during this time and are susceptible to rot and other issues.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure your plant gets enough moisture. One of the best ways is to use a moisture meter to determine your plants needs. This will let you know when it’s time to water your plant and how much.
You can also look for other signs that your plants need moisture. There are many different types of plants, and each has a different watering requirement. Some thrive in wet, heavy soil, while others require dry, sandier conditions.
The most basic way to water your plant is to pour a little water onto the soil. A better method is to fill the plant’s pot, then use a hose to water the plant from the bottom. This helps to keep the soil from evaporating and allows the plant to be hydrated more evenly.
Cover empty veg beds
Using old blankets to cover your garden is a cheap and easy way to protect your vegetables in the coming months. You can repurpose them in the future for a second round of gardening fun.
The right covering can ward off wind and rain. It can also keep the cold weather from compacting the soil. You can even use it to prop up your plants on hot days. You might be wondering how to cover an empty vegetable bed in winter.
There are actually a few ways to do it. You can use biodegradable seed covers, mulch, and other similar materials. The best cover for your vegetables is a combination of the above. Luckily, these materials can be kept dry throughout the summer. You might want to check the humidity before covering your beds.
Choosing the right covering can also help you save money. You can repurpose materials like old blankets and thrift store bedspreads. You can even cover your unused beds with compost. Alternatively, you can use a floating row cover.
Remove weeds
Getting rid of weeds in your garden in winter is a must if you are looking for a healthy lawn. Weeds are annoying and can cause problems in your garden. They are also susceptible to diseases and pests. You can easily control weeds with a few simple measures.
The first step in getting rid of weeds in your garden in the winter is to eliminate the roots. Perennial weeds store food in the soil during the winter and will continue to grow in the same area. Pulling the weeds will remove the root and prevent regrowth.
Another method to get rid of weeds in your garden in colder weather is to spread a layer of mulch. This will help keep weeds from growing by blocking the sunlight. It also adds nutrients to the soil. It will break down over time, so you should replace it every few years.
In addition to mulch, you can use a weed suppressant fabric to cover weeds. This is a synthetic opaque material that will block the sun. It is available in garden supply stores and online. You can hold it in place by placing bricks or pegs on the edges.