Winter is coming...

In the light of a new season, we rejoice as the temperature drops in the clay land of Central Texas. The scorching hot environment our gardens and plants had to endure all summer can finally cool down, and the plants can rest. In the winter, many perennials are in a state of dormancy. Their roots are growing and holding the energy until spring, when the energy moves upward and the plants bloom.

Now, before the weather gets too cold, it is important to provide winter care. Preparing for winter ensures that our gardens and plants are ready to thrive in the spring. At the same time, preparing for winter can be a good opportunity to have fun and connect with your family and community.

Here are 10 tips on how to help our gardens and plants maintain their overall health during their dormant season.

1. Once the tops of the perennials die back, trim them down to 3-6 inches and mulch around the base. Plants that were just planted this year should be covered with mulch or a blanket if a frost is imminent.

2. Water your plants before frost to protect the cell inside the root from dehydration.

3. For potted plants, bring indoors once the first frost arrives and keep indoors until spring.

4. Pull up any dead or unproductive plants and use as compost on top of soil.

5. For perennial vegetables, like asparagus, cut the dead leaf stalk to the ground after the frost kills the top.

6. For strawberry beds, remove the weeds and add mulch.

7. For runner plants, carefully dig under the roots and lift with two-hands full of soil, transfer to pots, and mulch the bed with an inch of material.

8. For plants showing disease or insect infestation, remove plant material, bag, and throw away.

9. After winter clean up, incorporate compost, a layer of mulch, or topdressing of other organic matter into your garden. This serves as a nutrient for next year’s crop.

10. Have fun and invite the family to cultivate winter gardening. Together, you can enjoy connecting with Mother Nature through your garden.