Studio 5 Contributor and Utah State University horticulturist, Jerry Goodspeed, shares a checklist of chores every gardener should complete, before winter strikes.
What are the most important things to do before winter sets in?
Vegetable garden
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Cut down all the dead vegetables. Compost plants or work them into the soil
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If diseased plants, only compost or get rid of them
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Rototill organic matter into the soil. At least 1 to 2 inches
Control weeds
•Use a broadleaf weed killer on the lawn if necessary. (Or pull weeds)
•Good time to be spraying morning glory (field bindweed) and other problem weeds in flower beds
Lawn Care
•Mow between 1 ½ to 2 inches tall. This creates less disease possibilities
•Give the lawn one last shot of nitrogen fertilizer before it goes to sleep for the winter
Water evergreens good and deep
•They may not get the needed water in the winter, and this will reduce winter stress
•Dribble the water around the base of the trees for several hours to insure deep soil water
Perennials
•You don’t need to cut them back, just a cosmetic activity for the homeowner
•Some perennials, especially the late bloomers, will do better if left until the spring to cut back
For more information on workshops, plant sales and classes go to
ogdenbotanicalgardens.blogspot.com
or contact:
Jerry L. Goodspeed
Utah State University Extension
Weber County
Director – Ogden Botanical Gardens
www.extension.usu.edu
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