What Should I Do In My Garden Over the Winter Months?

by Re McClung, Meerkerk Gardens’ Board President

As we enter December and the coldest months of the year, our gardens are settling into full dormancy.  You may still be clearing leaves, but hopefully you have planted all your fall bulbs.  Now it's time to observe how the rain is affecting your garden--is it soaking in, running off, or creating puddles?   Bare soil can be problematic because it compacts from heavy rains and is susceptible to erosion.  A layer of coarse mulch, shredded leaves, or straw (don’t make the mistake of using hay!) will help improve absorption. 

Have you noticed all the mushrooms popping up? Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of an underground network of fungal mycelium. In the dry season, this fungal web is typically invisible, but it becomes more visible when the rains and the spore-producing structures appear. Fungal mycelium helps break down dead plant debris, cycling nutrients and organic matter back into the soil. So enjoy the beauty of these little “mushroom cities”-- they are a splendid example of nature at work!

What should you do with all the wet leaves? Store them in a bin and allow them to break down over time, turning them over every couple of months to speed up decomposition. Another option is to poke a few holes in a large plastic garbage bag and fill it with wet leaves. Turn the bag over several times throughout the winter. These composted leaves may be ready to use as mulch by next spring and early summer!

One last tip: clear away mulch or leaves that have piled up against the trunks of your trees. This debris can hold moisture against the bark where it will provide a cover for rodents who will enjoy eating the trunk over the winter. Oh, and don’t forget to feed the birds. They require up to 50% more calories in the winter when natural food sources are scarce. Suet is an excellent source as it is high in fat and provides much-needed energy.

Winter allows us to take a respite from the hard work of the rest of the year while we enjoy the beauty of the colors and textures of the winter garden.