During the winter season, the garden is in dormancy. A period during which warming spells can still occur, characterized by temperatures of roughly 5 to 15°C (about 41 to 59°F) for a few days or several weeks. These milder spells can make it feel like spring has arrived, as the first buds appear, flowers bloom, the lawn comes back to life and greens… It is, however, important to remember that winter is not over yet and frosts can still occur. So take advantage of these sunny days to protect your garden by applying these essential steps.
1. Reinstall winter frost covers
The winter frost covers protect garden plants as well as vegetable crops throughout the winter. This type of protection can add a few crucial degrees of warmth, helping prevent plants from freezing.
During warm spells, it is indeed advisable to remove these coverings to allow the plants to fully enjoy the sun and the mild temperatures. However, beware of weather fluctuations, which can prove fatal for plants that are no longer protected.
So remember to reinstall the winter frost covers and other protections as soon as each warm spell ends. These accessories should not be removed permanently until mid-spring, when all risk of frost has passed.
2. Mulch the bases of your plantings
Also take advantage of the milder spells, much more pleasant for gardeners, to mulch the bases of your plantings if you haven’t yet taken this precaution. Several types of mulch prove effective, such as straw or hemp, applied in a thick layer of at least 3 cm. Mulching will help protect plant roots when the frost returns, and will also nourish them as it decomposes. Mulching also slows the growth of weeds while shielding plants from certain pests.
Important: when watering in winter, lift the mulch to avoid getting it wet, or it will lose its insulating properties.
3. Take advantage of warm spells to weed the lawn in winter
Sunlight and pleasant temperatures… The warm spell is also a good time to carry out the first weeding of the year, when the soil is no longer as damp. Take the opportunity to hand-pull weeds from your lawn, or use a natural weed killer. If you plan to sow new grass in the spring, weeding now will save you time later.
4. Water the plants that need it
While it is indeed advised to space watering out, or even to stop altogether in winter as many plants go dormant, some plants require more attention during warm spells. These episodes can last for several days without any rain, so it’s important to ensure they are watered as needed. A watering can should be used, with garden taps and water lines drained and shut off to prevent freezing.
