Help Your Yard Survive Winter!

​First things first, be sure to  pull out a hose and hand water your lawn and beds on warm days when the daytime temperature is above 40 degrees. In our dry climate, our plants also need water in the winter to survive. Late fall is also a good time to fertilize your trees to give them nutrients for the winter months. Lastly, check the following cleanup projects off your list so your yard can enjoy its hibernation—and so can you!
 
Leave some plants. Tempted to start fresh by removing all
annual plant remains from your garden? Leaving some behind can provide natural mulch for your soil! We suggest keeping more
delicate plants (like lettuce, cucumbers, and basil) in the ground to naturally recycle nutrients. Consider removing plants that will easily reseed themselves.
 
Trim perennials. Make sure you’re trimming back any dead, messy, or untidy parts of your perennials. Giving them room to breathe will be immensely beneficial come spring. 
 
Nourish & protect soil. This is a great time to top off your
garden beds and nourish your soil over the winter with homegrown or store-bought compost. To really protect your soil from any harsh winds and keep it in place for spring, consider spreading straw or planting cover crops.
 
Clean and organize your gardening tools. Imagine coming out to your yard for the start of spring with cleaned and organized tools.