Sempervirens Gardening | Posted on December 10th, 2024
As winter settles in and the temperatures drop, you might think it’s time to pack up your tools and wait for warmer days to return. However, winter is actually one of the best times for planting and redesigning your garden. While it might seem counterintuitive, winter planting offers a unique set of benefits that can help set your garden up for success in the spring and beyond.
Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider planting in winter:
1. Perfect Conditions for Root Development
During winter, the soil is cooler and moisture levels are often higher, which is perfect for many types of plants to establish healthy root systems. When you plant in the winter, your new plants can begin growing their roots deep into the soil while above-ground growth remains slow. This allows them to become well-established before the warmer spring temperatures encourage rapid growth. When spring arrives, your plants will have a strong foundation to thrive. In addition, worms tend to move throughout a wet soil leaving behind…black gold. This gold gives the roots system nourishment for the plant.
Consider planting the following plants in winter:
Evergreen Shrubs and Trees:
Douglas Fir
Redwood
Sitka Spruce
Holly
Azaleas
Rhododendrons
Winter-Hardy Perennials:
Cabbage
Kale
Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Hellebores
Winter Vegetables and Herbs:
Garlic
Onions
Thyme
Sage
Rosemary
Ground Covers:
Creeping Thyme
Wintergreen
Berries and Fruit Trees:
Blueberries
Apples
Pears
Strawberries
Winter-Flowering Plants:
Camellias
Primroses
Pansies
2. Less Stress for Plants
Winter planting allows plants to adjust to their new environment without the stress of extreme heat or drought that can come with summer planting. In addition, the milder conditions mean fewer pests and diseases are active, which reduces the risk of damage during the critical early stages of plant growth. This makes winter a prime time for planting shrubs, trees, and certain perennials that can benefit from a slower growing season.
3. More Time for Garden Redesign
Winter is the perfect time to take a step back and think about your garden’s overall design. You can use this time to evaluate your garden’s layout, plan for changes, and create a vision for what you want it to look like when the weather warms up. Whether you want to add new trees for shade, plant a border of flowering shrubs, or design a new vegetable garden, winter offers plenty of time to plan and make thoughtful decisions without the rush of the growing season.
4. Less Competition for Plants
Garden centers and nurseries often experience fewer customers during the colder months, which means you’ll have more time and space to browse and get personalized advice from knowledgeable staff. When you visit local nurseries, you can often find a wider selection of plants that are well-suited for winter planting, and staff can guide you on which varieties will thrive in your garden during the cold months. Many plants that may sell out during peak spring planting season will be available for you to select in winter.
5. Support Local Businesses
When you purchase your plants from local nurseries, you're not just getting high-quality products, but you're also supporting small businesses in your community. Local businesses often have a better understanding of regional climate conditions and can offer expert advice tailored to your area’s specific needs. By visiting some of the trusted nurseries near you, such as Pierson's Building Center Garden Shop, Mad River Gardens, Miller Farms, Singing Tree Nursery, and your local Ace Hardware, you’ll be able to source plants that are healthy, some locally grown, and suited to your garden's specific environment.
Each of these nurseries offers unique services and a variety of plants that can help make your winter garden planting a success:
Pierson's Building Center Garden Shop is a great destination for gardeners seeking a variety of plants and gardening tools. They offer both indoor and outdoor plants to get your garden ready for spring.
Mad River Gardens offers a stunning selection of hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials, perfect for winter planting.
Miller Farms provides top-quality plants and gardening advice for gardeners of all levels.
Singing Tree Nursery is known for its expert staff and high-quality plants, making it a reliable resource for all your winter gardening needs. Plus their garden designs are breathtaking!
Ace Hardware carries an assortment of winter-ready plants and gardening supplies, with convenient locations to serve your planting needs.
6. Reduce Weeds and Soil Erosion
Winter planting can help reduce the impact of soil erosion. Planting ground covers, shrubs, or trees in winter helps keep soil intact, preventing it from washing away during winter rains or snowmelt. Additionally, planting cover crops or mulching bare spots in your garden can keep weeds in check, so you’ll have fewer problems when spring arrives.
Winter gardening offers a wealth of benefits: from supporting local nurseries to giving your plants a head start on root development, winter planting is a smart strategy that pays off in the long run. Not only will you enjoy a more vibrant garden in the spring, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve worked with local businesses and made thoughtful, well-timed choices for your garden.
So, bundle up, grab your gardening gloves, an extra layer of warm clothing, and head to your favorite local nursery to start planning your winter garden today. With the right plants and a bit of prep work, you’ll set your garden up for a successful and beautiful year ahead!
Happy planting! 🌱
Commentaires