Getting your garden ready for winter
OK, we’ve barely just made it into fall and we’re already thinking of winter?
Yes, yes we are, because there are things you need to do now that you’re not going to want to do in the chilled air and rain.
Here are just some of them:
Keeping it warm
Prepare for winter by draining irrigation lines and preparing frames and covers for cold- sensitive plants.
Although the late October-early November weather can be up and down, hot one day and cold the next, now’s the time to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to act should an early frost be expected.
If frost is in the forecast, or even overnight temperatures in the 30s and 40s, protect your sensitive plants by covering them, moving potted plants close to the house or bringing them indoors. Water your plants, if it hasn’t rained in a while. Hydrated plants can better withstand frigid temperatures, but don’t water succulents. They store large amounts of water in their leaves, which can freeze and damage plant tissue.
One final mow?
Depending on what type of lawn you have, the next mow could be your last for the season. After mowing, add a thin layer of compost, if needed.
Compost me
The leaves should be falling fast and furious from your deciduous trees. Rake them and shred them for mulch or compost.
In low fire danger areas, you can let them stay where they fall. They will slowly compost and feed the soil.
If you have open compost piles, cover them to keep them warm and to prevent them from getting soaked during the rains.
Never stop weeding
We say this in the winter, we say it in the summer, but remove weeds while they are small and only mildly annoying.
Winter mosquitoes?
Yes, they live even in the winter, so check your garden for standing water in empty pots, old tires, drain pipes off gutters — anything that can hold water — and dump it out to reduce habitat for mosquitoes.
Joan Morris’ Garden Tips column runs here the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Contra Costa Master Gardeners contributed to this report. Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 925-977-8479.