Winter Assessments as Snow RecedesRight now is one of the best opportunities to actually see the garden, while the distractions of new sprouts, early blooms, and weedy patches screaming for attention are still weeks away.
Winter Interest in the SnowbeltCreating winter interest and a pleasant view once your prized evergreen shrubs are buried for the duration, and after your brightly colored berries have been consumed by wildlife, can be done, but think hip-height or higher, and plan for more than one focal point.
Tool for the TiniestNeed to move a single piece of sowing medium with the tiniest seedling attached to it?
Winter Planting RosesNo matter which type of rose is your favorite, they're all woody plants. They prefer cool and consistently moist conditions, along with plenty of gentle sunlight to grow strong roots and stems at a moderate rate. If your springtime planting conditions cannot easily support this necessary growth, you might try planting fully dormant roses in winter.
Winter Sowing AnnualsDid you know that you could sow your annual seeds in winter? I didn't, but now I'm hooked on winter sowing not only perennials and shrubs, but also many of my annuals. The following ideas can help to keep your garden chock-full of blooms all season long, too, and it's so easy to do!
Cold Season Crops? Yes, You Can!Whether you like to get outdoors a bit each day despite the weather, or you just don't care to brave icy roads searching for expensive fresh produce, growing your own crops on into winter definitely has its benefits.
Manage Difficult Perennial Planting Sites with the Use of Planting PocketsAre your dreams of a yard packed with perennials hampered by difficult potential planting sites? Establish strong and healthy plants by utilizing planting pockets.
Trash Can PlanterExtend the depth of your root zone area and reduce watering needs by planting in low-cost refuse containers purchased from a discount store.
Repurposing Material for Easier Vine CareAn old section of fence and a leaky tub can help you!
Hip, Hip, Hooray for Hipped Roses!Roses that produce hips can be a highly beneficial and attractive addition to your garden.
Clear Tubs for Early SeedlingsLarge tubs with clear sides and lids can provide adequate early season housing for tender seedlings.
Ring Binders for Seed Packet OrganizationClean up your seed packet jumbles with inexpensive ring binders.
Tulle in the GardenTulle is a useful asset in the garden. It easily outperforms expensive and short-lived row cover material by allowing more essential elements to reach your plants.
Hardening Off SeedlingsWhen you need to be away for the day and you're not sure about continuing weather conditions, evergreen trees or low-branched leafy shrubs can help babysit your seedlings while you're away.
A Quick Seed Viability TestNot sure about your saved seeds' viability? A bit of water and a few seeds placed in a resealable plastic bag can be used to test for germination. Results are usually apparent in just a few days.
Cheap and Easy Weeding ToolAre you tired of hand weeding tools that aren't up to the task? A pair of gloves and piece of inexpensive reinforcing rod cut into 15" sections works wonderfully! It can't break, it doesn't bend, and it won't harm the roots of your desired plants.
