Ontario’s winter blankets the ground with snow and ice, but if you want to keep this weather from affecting your garden, it’s time to get to work. If you leave your garden untidy and unattended, it can lead to problems that can carry over into the spring.
If you get your hands dirty and take care of your winter garden, you’ll know that it will stay healthy and ready for the warmer days ahead. To help you care for your garden, here’s how to tackle cleanup in this cold weather.
Essential Tools For Winter Cleanup
The right tools can make all the difference, whatever the season. Ontario winters require the right set of tools to combat frozen and snow-covered plants. You’ll need:
- Thick gloves that keep your hands warm but feature grip. Thick, waterproof ones are ideal for dealing with wet foliage or frozen branches.
- Proper garden shears or pruners are essential, with them, you can quickly cut dead stems or overgrown shrubs. Look for sharp, rust-resistant options to make your tasks easier, especially if you’re working in wet or frosty conditions.
- A small rake or handheld leaf blower will help you deal with the most stubborn piles of wet leaves.
- Keep a tarp or garden bag handy to contain all the debris you collect. It’s much easier to transport debris to the compost garbage can or public pickup when it’s properly contained.
With these tools, you’ll find winter cleanup less intimidating and more rewarding.
Step-by-Step Winter Garden Cleanup
Now that you’re prepared with all your tools, it’s time to start cleaning:
Start With The Obvious
Pull up dead annuals and wilted perennials that you didn’t prune in the fall. Some perennials are best left until spring, while others should be cleaned up to prevent rotting.
Take Care of The Layer of Debris Covering Flower Beds.
Wet, caked leaves can smother plants and lead to disease. Try not to disturb the soil too much, but use a rake or gloved hands to gently remove these layers. If the ground is frozen, wait for a thaw day, especially in Ontario.
Prune Dead or Damaged Branches From Trees And Shrubs.
Winter is the ideal time to prune dormant plants, as winter pruning will help shape plants for spring growth. But don’t prune anything that has flower buds, such as lilacs or magnolias-you’ll want them to bloom when their time comes.
Once everything is neat and tidy, take some time to step back and appreciate the work you’ve done — you’ve earned it!
Maintaining Your Garden Through Winter
Cleanup is just one piece of the puzzle. Maintaining your garden through Ontario’s long winter ensures that it stays healthy until spring arrives.
Start With Routine Snow Management
While snow can protect plants from freezing temperatures, excessive weight can break branches and damage shrubs. When it’s safe, gently shake off excess snow.
Keep an Eye on Tree Trunks
If hungry animals, such as rabbits, are a problem around you, you can wrap the bases with burlap or plastic sheeting. This will prevent them from chewing the bark, which can damage or, worse, kill the tree. Maintenance doesn’t have to be frequent, but small checks will save you from future issues.
Nourish Your Garden
Mulching the base of shrubs and perennials can retain moisture and protect roots from frost. Mulch is like a blanket for the soil, so even on the coldest days, your plants will be comfortable and well cared for.
Winter gardening in Ontario can be daunting, but it’s a way to connect with your space during the more dormant months. With a little effort and care, you’ll turn a winter garden into a well-tended haven.
