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You have now secured your yard for the harsh winter months. That means now is the time to reflect on your lawn and garden successes from the past year and to focus on what improvements can be made moving forward!
Grab yourself a cup of hot tea or cocoa, and begin with some self-reflection.
As you think about your lawn and garden for next year, first take some time to determine the pros and cons of last year.
Ask yourself:
Jot down some of these answers, and make that list the first step in planning for a new and improved yard for the year ahead.
Once you determine some personal preferences for your lawn and garden, you can really begin the planning process for next year. It is a great time to start making these preparations because your yard does not require as much of your attention right now!
The first step in planning for next year involves a little maintenance. Did the brisk winter wind destroy any aspects of your yard, garden, or lawn? Maybe your furniture, fence, or decorations have seen better days due to the effects of winter. If you notice any areas of your lawn that look a little ravaged or disheveled, take the time to fix those issues early on. Pick a dry day to tackle some of those maintenance issues. Repair anything that looks broken, secure pieces of furniture or decor that have been dismantled by the harsh weather, clear out any fallen debris in your yard, and treat any other areas that need a little TLC.
As the cold weather starts to slow down, you may want to begin with some waste removal and pruning. Oftentimes, gardeners like to begin the waste removal process with a good power wash of any paths or sidewalks. This will remove any unwanted growths, such as algae, and keep your pathways clear, clean, and fresh.
It is also the perfect time to clean tools and old pots. Wash seed trays, empty out stored bags of compost, and remove any lingering soil, bugs, decaying plants, etc. from last year’s garden. A fresh, clean start as the spring weather sets in will allow this year’s garden to flourish from the beginning.
Pruning is also an excellent way to jump-start next year’s yard before the spring officially arrives. During the winter, plants are dormant. This creates the perfect opportunity to remove ugly, old, or decaying branches from your trees and bushes to allow for a fresher and better variety of fruits, veggies, and flowers. Just remember, some plants bloom on “old wood” and if you prune them now you may not get any blooms this spring or summer. Make sure you research your plant before pruning.
Besides some general maintenance and chores, planning for next year’s lawn and garden also requires… well… planning! The winter season is the perfect time to sit down and map out what plants you would like to have in your garden, where you would like them planted, and when the best time for planting would be.
You should do a little research, and try out some new plants this year! Take a look at your local stores and nurseries and be sure to check out some online catalogs for ideas, too. Do you have some fruits, veggies, or flowers in mind for your garden this year, but you aren’t quite sure where to start? Our nursery associates can answer questions or provide suggestions regarding what plants work best for certain conditions (sunny areas, shady areas, wet areas, etc.) You can contact our experts via the website, by calling 614-882-0200, or by visiting the nursery.
Additionally, check out our March blog from last year, Getting a Head Start on Seasonal Lawn & Garden Care, for more information about early-spring planting.
Believe it or not, some plants and crops allow for sowing to begin before the spring weather officially sets in! When you map out what plants you would like to see in your garden this year, you may notice that some allow for early sowing, while others need to hold off for warmer weather.
If you choose any crops that require “chitting,” or giving plants a head start on sprouting, you can get started with this process early on. Potatoes, for instance, grow best with this technique. If you allow these plants to get the head start they need by placing the seeds in an egg box, in a warm location, or in a greenhouse for a harvest, you can really look forward to their growth throughout the year.
You will be so glad that you put in the extra time with planning and preparations once the warm weather hits and you can begin to set up your beautiful and luxurious yard. For more information about planning and mapping out your yard for next year, various landscape features, or adding mulch or stones to your garden, check out our previous blogs: Landscape Planning 101 – Part 1 and Landscape Planning 101 – Part 2.
Additionally, our associates at Kurtz Bros. are always here to help. Give us a call if you’d like to chat about other ways to plan the perfect lawn & garden for next year!