Gardening isn’t just for the summer or spring months – a lot can be done during the winter months too.
In particular, you can keep your soil healthy and your plants happy without using any chemicals. The former is probably the most important task in this regard.
This is a very important task because plants require nutrients to grow and this will not happen with poor soil. So, the use of organic matter will keep it nutrient-rich apart from keeping moisture and improving its general structure too.
Of course, you’ve got two options in this regard: produce compost or buy it from a garden center. There are other sources of organic matter too: chicken or farmyard manure or even seaweed too.
Getting these on your bed in the winter is ideal as the nutrients will break down just in time for the spring, thanks to the presence of earthworms and the winter’s rain and frost.
Now there are two ways to go about this: the first is the dig method where you turn over the beds in November and rake it when February brings a drier climate. After this, you spread the organic matter.
But the no-dig method seems easier and is better because it upsets the natural structure of the soil. Also, this method also produces less weeds too. All you have to do is add a layer of compost.
Winter is also the time where you can prune apple and pear trees apart from planting currant bushes and raspberry canes while they are still dormant.
Finally, do not forget your lawn which requires to be aerated before the harsh weather will set in.