Winter Flower Beds

Many plants go dormant in the winter, but still require some care.

Plants that have adapted to temperate regions go dormant to survive the winter cold, but there are some steps gardeners can take in the winter to help their plants flourish. Most of these steps help plants process temperature fluctuations and survive the dehydrating effects of winter. With the proper winter care, the garden will thrive in the spring.

Watering

Flower beds do not need to be watered during the winter when there's snowfall. However, you must prevent your flowers from drying out by watering them when the soil gets dry, before the plants get snow covered. Only water the flower bed when the ground isn't frozen.

Mulching

Mulching the flower bed around the base of the plants keeps the temperature more consistent for the plants, which helps them stay dormant until the soil warms up. Winter mulching also prevents weeds from growing in the spring.

Dead Flower Removal

During the winter when perennial flowers are dormant, gardeners can minimize their flower bed maintenance in the spring. After all the flowers fade, cut them back. When the annual plants die, make sure to remove them. Put all the plant debris in a compost pile where it can release nutrients for future flowers.

Pest Control and Composting

Many pests survive during the winter by crawling into the ground, where the soil protects them. However, you can stab a pitchfork into the ground and rock the soil back and forth, exposing insects to the cold winter temperatures.

Afterward, spread compost where you used the pitchfork. It will slowly release its nutrients so they're ready for the plants in the spring. Put holes in the compost material so that earthworms can crawl through the compost and bring the nutrients down to the plants' roots.

Fertilizing

While gardeners typically apply fertilizer in the fall, you can apply your fertilizer in the winter too. Fertilizer that is applied in the spring will not have sufficient time to break down into a form that the plants can access that growing season.

References

• Improving Your World: Preparing Your Flower Beds for Winter
• "Flower & Garden Magazine"; Preparing the Garden for Winter; John Cretti; November1999