Inspect gardens for overwintering pests and diseases.
Clean, inspect, and sharpen garden tools.
Clean flower pots that are being stored for future use. Sterilize the pots by soaking them for at least 10 minutes in a solution of one-part bleach to nine-parts water.
Clean and sterilize (one-part bleach to nine-parts water) any soiled seed flats or seedling trays in anticipation of reusing them for this year’s seedlings.
Ornamental Garden
Inspect perennials for frost heaving (alternate freezing and thawing cycles). Gently replant any that are out of the ground making sure roots are well covered with soil. Apply a layer of mulch to help protect roots.
In the event of heavy or wet snow, gently brush accumulated snow off shrubs and trees to minimize breakage.
Prune broken tree and shrub branches that have been damaged by snow or ice.
Periodically inspect the base of tree trunks and shrubs for vole damage. Voles like to hide under mulch, so make sure mulch is not touching the trunks.
Inspect stored tender bulbs and tubers, such as dahlias and canna lilies, to make sure they are firm and free of mold. If the bulbs are shriveled, lightly moisten them as necessary.
Use de-icing products carefully on walkways, steps, or other icy surfaces to avoid damaging nearby plants.
Develop a plan for the coming season’s garden with a focus on plants to be divided, transplanted, added, or eliminated.
Edible Garden
Decide which vegetable crops to plant this spring and how many plants will be needed. Calculate the number of weeks required for seeds started indoors to be ready for transplant.
Develop a planting schedule for both direct-sown seeds and transplants. Keep in mind the last average frost date and the vegetable’s specific growing requirements.
Do a simple germination test on any old seeds to make sure they are still viable. Space 10 seeds about an inch apart on a moist paper towel and fold the bottom half of the towel up over the seeds. Place the folded towel in a plastic bag and leave the bag in a warm place (your kitchen counter should be fine). Check the seeds periodically to make sure they are still moist. If at least 70% of the seeds sprout, the seeds are viable If less than 70% sprout, either plan to plant the seeds more thickly then normal or buy new seeds.
Order new seeds from catalogs and online sources now while supplies are plentiful.
In preparation for spring planting, order seed starting supplies, such as cell packs, transplant pots, potting mix, and fertilizer.
Recycle plastic mesh bags that onions and other produce are sold in and store for use this summer to air dry onions, garlic, and shallots.
Lawn
Avoid excessive foot traffic on lawns over the winter months to prevent damaging the sod and compacting the soil.
Avoid using ice melting products containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
Inspect lawn after winter storms and pick up any fallen tree limbs, compacted leaves, or other debris.
Avoid parking vehicles on the lawn; the weight can kill or damage the grass.
