Winter Preparedness for the Garden

 

Mario Villarino

County Extension Agent in Hopkins County

 

Happy new year! I sincerely hope that 2011 brings joy and happiness to you and your family!

The recent warmer days reminded me of the plant care needed in cooler days to come and since the recent days were wonderful to work outside on the garden I want to remind you the care recommendations for the garden in this time of the year.

Roses must be protected not only against low winter temperatures but also fluctuating ones. Occasionally rose varieties that are hardy in the North where temperatures are constantly low, are injured during the winter in areas further south where temperatures vary. As the first step in avoiding winter injury, keep your roses healthy during the growing season. Roses that have been sprayed and properly nourished are more likely to escape winter damage than plants that have lost their leaves due to diseases, insect damage or nutrient deficiencies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

December is the time to put manure or compost on the beds. With especially tall plants, cut off a foot or two to prevent canes whipping in the winter winds. If a freeze is forecast, water rose beds thoroughly the day before, as well as during dry and windy spells. Also, when new plants are set out (January and February) and new growth begins, protect if a freeze is forecast). When temperatures are expected to drop to 00F will need to have roses protected by an 8-inch mound of soil, coarse compost or other material at the base of the plant. In colder climates the mound is progressively deeper and then 8 to 10 inches of loose mulch such as pine needles, oak leaves, pine branches, or straw is added. It can be contained in wire or paper cylinders. Where temperatures go below -50F, the large-flowered, repeat-blooming climbers should be mounded at the base and the canes enclosed in pine branches or detached from supports and laid on the ground, pegged to the soil, and covered with soil or mulch.

For more information in winter preparation please contact the Hopkins county extension office by calling 903-885-3443.

 

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