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Maintaining a garden takes a substantial amount of time and effort. To avoid unneeded stress and extra work in the spring, there are a few steps you can take now to prepare your garden properly for winter. From cleaning up dead plants to winterizing your irrigation system, the guide below will keep your garden safe all winter long. 

5 Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Winter

1. Add a Layer of Compost

Spread up to 6 inches of compost over all of the garden soil before the first frost. This will protect the dirt and keep the soil enriched while protecting your plants from the frost. Compost can be made of materials that will naturally break down, such as grass, leaves, and straw. Food waste like coffee filters, eggshells, and vegetables are also appropriate.

2. Clean the Area

Dead or rotting plants can irrigation systembe a hotspot for pests and diseases. Pull up any spent vegetation and burn it or throw it away to ensure that bugs won’t infest your garden during spring. You should also thoroughly clean your garden of any debris or weeds so that your plants have an ideal growing setting when the weather warms up again.  

3. Plant Bulbs

Flowers that grow from bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, need to be planted in the fall to grow properly in the spring. Plant each bulb three times deeper in the ground than its height. For example, a 1-inch bulb would need to be planted 3 inches into the ground. 

4. Prune Perrenials 

Perennials are plants that bloom during warm weather and hibernate in winter. They do not need to be planted every year because they can survive the winter if they are taken care of properly.

Allow these plants to grow until the first frost so that the energy and nutrients in the plant moves to the roots. After this happens, trim them until they are 4 to 6 inches tall. This will help protect their sensitive stems and branches from the cold weather so that they are ready to grow again in the spring. 

5. Winterize the Irrigation System

It’s best to hire a professional to take care of your irrigation system. They will ensure that the main water supply is properly turned off, the system is drained, and the air pressure is balanced. They can also look for any issues in your irrigation system, such as trapped debris or leaks, and address them before you find yourself with a broken system in the spring. 

 

If you’re preparing your garden for winter and want a professional to help with your irrigation system, contact Whittemore Sprinkler Company in Lincoln, NE. This family-owned and -operated company has been serving their community for over 56 years. They work with all sprinkler brands and will winterize your irrigation system with friendly and personalized service. Visit them online to learn more or call (402) 476-8552 to schedule an appointment. 

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