As the leaves begin to fall and your annual flowers wither, it’s time to start preparing your garden for the cold winter ahead. To help you do so, the experts from Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH, answered a few frequently asked questions regarding winter garden preparation:

4 Winter Garden Prep FAQ

Do I Need to Spread New Mulch?

Yes. While your garden may appear to be stagnant over the winter months, plenty is going on beneath the soil’s surface. Any bulbs, perennials, and newly transplanted trees require sufficient nutrients and moisture to last through the season. Since your summer mulch has likely decomposed, it’s time to spread a new layer before winter begins. Protect your plants from the cold by adding a significantly thicker layer than usual.

What Should My Winter Mulch Be Made Of? 

Snow is a natural winter mulch that works well to insulate your plants. Since snow will come and go, add additional protection with loose materials like straw, pine needles, or leaves. To make leaf mulch, pile up your leaves in a congregated area and wait for them to decompose. Speed up the composting process by shredding them first. Once shredded or decomposed, spread the material over the soil for excellent organic protection. 

How Do I Care for My Rose Bush?

At the end of November, it’s time to cut back your garden’s beautiful rose bushes. You should also remove any old mulch from beneath your bushes, which could contain threatening pests or diseases. Spread a hearty mulch base of wood chips, bark, or chopped leaves before the first freeze strikes. As soon as the temperatures drop below freezing, add another thick layer of mulch to further insulate the soil.

How Do I Prepare My Perennials, Bulbs, & Trees?

Cut back your perennials’ drying stems, get rid of decaying plant debris, and remove diseased foliage. To deter rodents from burying in the soil, wait until the temperatures drop to add a hefty six-inch layer of mulch. Meanwhile, your bulb beds are best protected with evergreen boughs. Protect young, vulnerable trees from animals and weather with a wire tree-guard. If you have evergreens, protect them with a burlap screen or shade cloth.

For a beautiful garden, even during wintertime, enlist the support of Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati. To learn more, call one of their helpful professionals today at (513) 729-1134 or visit their website.