Get Your Garden Winter Ready

By Haley Mast

It’s that time of year again; the leaves have begun changing colors and the air is getting crisper. Fall is nearing and winter is to follow. Already thinking spring and the sunshine to come? Read on to learn how to best prep your garden for the winter months ahead.

Spinach, kale, and chard do wonderful after a bit of frost hits. In fact, they get a tad sweeter, leave these greens growing while you prep other sections of your garden. 

Hope springs eternal - here is a picture of my garden in early May. Cauliflower, sweet onions, cucumber and eggplant, to name a few, were just emerging. Alas, much of the garden is spent, and it is now time to nurture cold weather crops and make way for glorious spring.

Clean up 

Before the ground gets too hard begin pulling old stalks, pesky weeds, and other debris in your garden area. Any organic matter leftover can be composted if it is disease-free. Lightly till your garden or turn your box soil to expose any insects/pests that are planning to nestle and overwinter. 

Prune, pinch, or cut back your perennial crops, such as blueberries. This is important to promote new healthy growth and re-bud for the upcoming growing season. Make sure to leave the crown of the plant a little more full as it can help to insulate the plant during the midst of winter.

Soil Preparation

After you lightly till or turn your soil add a layer of manure, compost, lime (depending on your soil pH), or a mixture of these. These soil enhancers, are best in the fall because they give the soil all winter to marinate before spring planting! 

Dirtlicious!

Dirt Hugger located in Dallesport has excellent compost for purchase. Their composted material is sourced from local businesses and farms. They run consistent tests so their soil stays herbicide free. You can click here to view their products or order compost. 

After adding the soil amendments it's a good idea to cover the soil with sheet plastic or other coverings to prevent your soil enhancers from being washed away by winter rains.  

Tool Care

Although most gardeners know they should keep tools clean and well oiled throughout the year, it's difficult to keep up with this task when gardening is in full swing. Fall is a great time to rejuvenate your tools’ lifespan by giving them some attention. Begin by washing tools to remove dirt and debris. If rust is present, remove with sandpaper or a wire brush. Sharpen hoes and shovels with a basic mill file. Finally, rub the surfaces of your tools with an oiled rag coated in light machine oil. This will help seal the metal from oxygen and extend your tools’ lives for another year.

Start Planning for Spring!

It gets to be A LOT when spring hits and gardening goes full swing. Help yourself out by preparing planting plans. Decide what you would like to plant, make a list of the seeds you already have and the seeds you are going to need. Draw up a mock layout of your planting strategy. If you are wanting to feel extra prepared begin making up and labeling plant labeled stakes for the garden. This time of year many gardening and grow stores discount their fertilizers and seeds, making fall a great time to stock up for less money well before spring hits!