Wisconsin Winter Gardening Tips

All-around landscaping help

Appleton Gardening can help you start your planting season early. Winter can be a challenging time for gardening, but with some preparation, you can still maintain a healthy garden and be ready for the spring growing season. Here are some tips on how to prepare for gardening in winter:

1. Clean up the garden: Start by cleaning up the garden before winter sets in. Remove any dead or diseased plants, fallen leaves, and debris that can harbor pests and diseases. Cut back any perennials and grasses that have finished blooming to prevent them from becoming too heavy with snow and breaking.
2. Mulch: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants can help protect them from the cold and retain moisture in the soil. Use organic materials such as leaves, straw, or wood chips, and avoid piling the mulch up against the stems or trunks of plants, which can cause rotting.
3. Water: Give your plants a deep watering before the ground freezes to help them survive the winter. Watering will also help to prevent the roots from drying out during the dry winter months.
4. Protect your plants: Cover your plants with burlap or other protective materials to shield them from harsh winter winds and snow. For smaller plants, you can use individual plastic or fabric coverings, while for larger plants, you can use stakes and burlap.
5. Prepare your tools: Clean and store your garden tools properly to prevent rusting and damage during the winter months. Sharpen your tools, and oil the blades to prevent rust. Drain and store hoses and watering cans in a dry place to prevent freezing and cracking.
6. Plan for spring: Winter is a great time to plan for spring. Research new plants that you would like to grow, prepare your garden beds, and order seeds and supplies early to ensure you have everything you need when the growing season begins.

By following these tips, you can prepare your garden for winter and be ready to start gardening as soon as the weather warms up in the spring. Unpredictable snow in March and April can mess up your garden, so it's ok to wait a few extra weeks before planting your favorite flowers, vegetables and fruits.