| Issue #36, December 1, 2006 |
The Garden At Rock Cottage by Lance Brilliantine
Winter Gardening
We have been very lucky to have warmer than usual weather this fall. Days have been in the 50s, with nights in the upper 30s. This has meant that many plants continue to flower and send up new shoots. However, recent morning frost foretells us that it is now time for vigilant gardening to ensure that precious plants survive the upcoming onslaught of freezing, cold weather.
Winter can be a bleak, hard time. With short days and longer nights, a gardener’s sensitivity to changing plant needs in the environment will help successful over-wintering of plants. If you haven’t pruned perennials and removed spent annuals, now is probably your last opportunity to do so. Additionally, if you have half-hardy plants and bulbs such as dahlias and elephant ears – dig and store now or they will succumb shortly. We suggest using mulch such as peat, newspaper, and/or minced leaves. (Remember, however, leaves often harbor the eggs and nymphs of ticks. We have virtually removed tick infestations by removing leaves from our garden over the last two years!)
While freezing periods will be coming soon, keeping plants well watered during the winter is a must on the list for gardening success. Whenever the ground is not frozen, plants will still use water, and if the ground will accept it, water them. Since plants are generally dormant during winter, the amount of water needed is not great. However, be aware that evergreens lose water through their needles in the winter. So if one keeps watering as long as possible, plants will suffer less stress.
When sunlight intensity is high during the thaw period in winter, plant tissues become active. Water loss at this time is not easily replaced if the ground is frozen, and more tender shoots and twigs may die. This is called plant desiccation. There are a number of products on the market that help plants retain water in winter, and using them is a good idea. Screening plants in exposed areas that are prone to wind – which increases desiccation – is also good idea.
If you have not spread some lime on your lawns, this is a good opportunity to do so. We have found that it helps maintain a non-acidic pH in soil, and also reduces the amount of encroaching moss. However, be very careful about walking on grass that has frozen, as this compacts the soil and may destroy roots.
When snow falls, remember that the weight of snow can destroy the symmetry of evergreens. We recommend using a broom to gently shake branches that become weighed down with snow. Make sure to remove heavy snow within four hours of snowfall. Leaving snow past this point will permanently bend branches.
We are particularly vigilant about controlling rodents in winter – the squirrels have already dug up a number of our crocuses, anyone have a shotgun? Mice and rabbits feed constantly all year because their teeth grow constantly. They love to chew on tender plant shoots. The use of rat/mouse bait every two or three weeks during winter will help to control these pests. Be sure to place the baits where they are easily monitored, and also be sure to keep it away from other animals. Placing a cardboard box over the baits will keep birds away. When snow arrives, mice will feed higher up on plants because they do not like to dig in the snow for food. Watch for tracks in the snow as an important sign of where these pests are feeding. Mouse damage is usually not correctable, especially when roots are being eaten, so baiting is the best solution.
Of course, while you want to control vermin in the garden, remember that our feathered friends require some assistance. Keep bird feeders filled, especially when the ground is frozen and there is snow.
December is a great time to place seed orders. With more and more gardeners every year, it seems that the most desirable seeds disappear quickly. Ordering seedlings early in the winter is the best way to guarantee that the seeds you want are available in the spring. Ask for seeds to be shipped after the winter weather is over. We recommend end of April, or as soon as the ground can be worked. This will vary based on your location, of course.
If you are a gardener like me, taking advantage of late fall and winter to ensure spring success is well worth the effort. Some vigilance now will provide earlier and greater success next spring!
You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.
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