Ready for bed

Autumn on the Prairies can be the most beautiful time of year. Unfortunately, it is also the harbinger of the Saskatchewan winter. Taking some steps now can ensure your garden and yard are all ready to go when spring once again comes to the prairies. Following is a short checklist of things to do before winter sets in: • Leave all perennials standing over the winter; while it doesn’t look as neat and tidy as cutting everything down, the standing stalks will trap the snow, forming a protective insulating blanket for your plants to help them weather the winter cold. The melting snow in the spring will also

ensure they have adequate moisture to start the new year.

There are a few exceptions, such as peonies and lilies, which need to be cut to the ground. • Clear out all debris from your yard; roses and peonies especially need to have the ground around them cleared of debris so insects and organisms don’t overwinter there. • Rake up leaves and put them in the compost bin. • Add peat moss, compost and/or manure to your garden

and flower beds. Keep the manure off the peonies, though. You can sprinkle a shovelful of manure over your asparagus in late winter; the melting snow in spring will carry it down to the roots, giving them a good start to

producing those yummy green spears. • Water all plants, trees and shrubs heavily just before the ground freezes to ensure they have adequate moisture over the winter. • Out-of-zone perennials, tender roses and young shrubs

and trees may require some kind of protection over the

winter. A tomato cage filled with peat moss and wrapped with burlap is an excellent covering for smaller shrubs

and plants.

• It’s okay to prune roses now, but waiting until spring allows them to prepare for winter dormancy, and the rose hips look nice against the snow. • Clean, sharpen and oil all yard tools and put away

somewhere dry over the winter. • Turn off outside water taps and drain irrigation systems,

hoses and rain barrels. • Bring clay and ceramic pots inside. • Service your lawn mower and other yard equipment. Set

your lawn mower blade higher for the last cut of the year

to give the plants more winter protection. • Bring all fertilizers and chemicals inside and put them

away from heat and out of the reach of children and pets.

Todd is a Regina area horticulturalist