Calgary Winter spring 2018

Winter Garden
Preparation
Viruses, bacteria, and insect larvae
in the soil can be detrimental if not
cleared away properly. Pull out weeds
that have sprung up at the end of
summer, and add them along with
other vegetation from your beds and
leaf raking to your compost heap.
All cut plant material that is diseased
or questionable must be discarded
and not added into the
compost pile. Divide up
the summer plants from
the spring plants. Perennials
can be cut back to
soil level. Rake the beds
clean for further smaller
weeds and plant debris
like roots.
Autumn is a good time to plant your
spring bulbs. Place them into the
ground while temperatures are still
warm and the ground soft. You can
also plant bright mums for those
wonderful bright fall colours.
Organic matter is beneficial as an insulator
as it protects perennial roots,
plants and the soil. Adding material to
your beds provides the richest mulch
when spring eventually comes along.
Natural mulch will include all your
grass trimmings, fallen leaves and
other organic materials.
Make sure to add a good 3 to 6 inches
of mulch over your beds. Screen
Fall is the time of year where your flower and vegetable
gardens require most of your attention. It’s important to
ensure all beds are cleared as much as possible of old,
decaying organic debris.
young evergreens with burlap
wrapped around the trees to protect
them from harsh cold winds. Collect
and package seeds from the plants
you allowed to go to seed. Harvest the
rest of your vegetables. If you have
a small vegetable garden, whether
boxed or in beds, pull out all the roots
and place in your compost heap.
You can till and turn the earth with
discarded leaves into the soil a couple
of times until the ground hardens
with the cold.
Your soil will benefit from the nutrients
of the organic matter. Wash and
thoroughly dry your flowerpots so
all trace amounts of soil are cleaned
away, with no chance of mold from
dampness. Place them
along with all your washed
and dried garden tools in
your garage or tool shed.
Turn off all corresponding
faucets from the interior,
and allow the outer faucet
to drain, ensuring no water is left
in the pipes or wall that will freeze
during winter.
Thorough winter garden preparation
is important. When you take care of
your garden and soil, it will take care
of you.
REAL HOME ADVICE 4
Calgary Winter Spring 2018.indd 4
2018-02-01 12:00:23 PM
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