Is Your Garden Prepared for Winter? | U.S. Lawns - Franklin

Do you have a garden on your property? If so, it’s vital to prep that garden for winter. Preparing a garden for winter helps ensure its protection through frost, and even readies it for the spring season. U.S. Lawns - Franklin has rounded up some simple steps you should know if you plan to properly care for your garden this fall.

When it comes to hardiness, Franklin is in zones 7a. Zone 7 typically has a first frost date of November 15, and a last frost date of April 15.

Clear the weeds.
The first thing to do before winter is to get rid of any debris that doesn’t belong in a garden. Clear out weeds, dead leaves, plant parts, as well as invasive or diseased plants. If you wouldn’t want in your garden during the growing season, you want to get rid of it now. Tackling this job is easier to do now while the roots are easier to see.

Protect new beds.
Did you add a new flower garden this past growing season? Then it’s especially important to establish those new plants. Basically, you want to give them extra protection while they’re still new. Add extra coverage over the winter with a garden cloche that drapes over the entire new garden area.

Plant bulbs before the ground freezes.
For a healthy garden, you need to plant builds several inches into the ground, so the bulbs get plenty of protection over winter and are ready to bloom in spring. If you wait too long, the ground will get too hard and you’ll struggle to plant the bulbs deep enough.

Give your garden a final watering.
No one wants to deal with frozen water pipes! Before you turn the water off for winter, be sure to water your plants one last time. If you can, do this a week or two before the ground freezes. And when you turn the water off, make sure you also empty and properly store your hoses, and other gardening supplies so they don’t freeze and crack in the cold.

Remove delicate plants.
Do you have any tender bulbs or tubers like dahlias and elephant ear? If you would like to keep those plants, you should dig them up before the winter and store them in a dark, cool location. You can research the best storage recommendation for each plant online. For some, a basement is perfect. When spring comes, you will replant them. You can learn more about storing tender plants here.

Pile on the mulch.
Never underestimate the power of a quality mulch. It adds organic matter to the soil, naturally deters weeds, and even helps to insulate and protect your plants through winter. A layer of mulch will help keep the ground frozen until spring, so your plants don’t thaw and grow too early.

Healthy lawns, gardens and landscapes require lots of tender loving care, and most business owners simply don’t have the time or energy to DIY their grounds. If you could use some help with your commercial curb appeal, don’t hesitate to contact U.S. Lawns - Franklin. We’re here to help you get your grounds looking their very best!