A warm day in the winter may have you itching to get outside and have a look at the landscaping to see if anything needs to be done. There are things that should be taken care of this time of year but should be done properly. Check out these tips for your cold-weather garden maintenance: 

 

  • Rake the last of the fallen leaves and other debris so your lawn can absorb as much sun as possible to look its best. Place debris in the compost pile. 
     

  • After or during extremely cold temperatures, be sure to check the irrigation system for any cracks. 
     

  • Seed catalogs are filling your mailbox, so take the time to browse through them and decide what you will be planting for spring.  Start them inside to lengthen your growing season outdoors. 
     

  • While you wait for the seeds to be delivered, have your garden soil tested by your local extension office, and add another layer of compost (or the raked-up leaves). 
     

  • Prune dead wood and suckers out of flowering trees and shrubbery.  Plants that bloom in spring or bloom off old wood, however, should not be cut back until after flowering. For instance, azaleas have already formed their flower buds for the coming spring. Cutting a healthy plant now means no spring color from your shrubs. 
     

  • If you are pruning fruit trees, spray with neem oil to help prevent any pests that have overwintered and can destroy your Summer harvest. 
     

  • Do not forget your mower and other power tools! If they were not stored properly, you may have problems getting them started.  Home Depot offers some tips for getting your lawnmower ready for the busy season. 
     

  • Keep bird feeders clean and full, because winter fruit is fading, and their favorite insects have not ventured out yet.   

 

You may not be seeing a lot of green in your yard, but the lawn and plants need regular TLC for their health before the growing season begins. Take advantage of a pleasant day to take care of your plants, because there is a bonus for you:  the fresh air and sunshine will boost your spirits during a long winter night.    


Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

Photo credit: Stihl