Winter as a Time for Rest and Getting Ahead

For any avid gardener, winter is a time of conservation and rehabilitation. I'm glad, in a way, that the toil has ended and I get a bit of rest from all the tasks that feel never-ending. But I'm still drawn to next season's plan. 

I'm scouring heritage seed catalogs in an attempt to add some new varieties of veggies. I'm mapping out the new garden addition I started before the weather turned unfriendly. Some things that are at the top of my list are trellises, rabbit fencing, soil amendments, new secateurs (pruners), neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

I also review all my flower pictures I've saved and get inspired. I look at photos of my gardens, too, for insight into what changes to make, what could/should be moved, what has disappeared. Yes, that happens also. It's either been crowded out, has lived its cycle or been eaten from the roots by voles.

In spring, I like to be prepared to hit the ground running. I've already cleaned and sharpened my tools, but that's a good winter project if you haven’t gotten to it yet. I’ve also cleaned and restocked my garden sit-upon and garden golf bag on wheels, which has all the large tools like shovels and rakes. 

So what else can I possibly get into as a garden project in the winter? 

Right... preparing my basement greenhouse. It’s a plastic-enclosed, flimsy structure that has shelving and a good zippered opening. I make sure to place it near a water source and a good three-prong receptacle. There is a window nearby, but I depend on a timed light source, as well as heat mats, which are also timed. I need to get my coco coir and rice hulls to add to my "pro mix" soil for seed starting. I want to make sure that my heat mats are in place, check that my fiber pots and transplant pots are stocked, and have watering cans and electric timer extensions on hand. Nothing like getting ready and having hiccups trying to source supplies!

I hope these tips on what I do are of some help or at least get you motivated to get prepared and excited as I am for a brand-new gardening experience. 

In the meantime, try one of our monthly Master Your Garden classes to learn about different topics, or visit our seed library, the Orleans Community Seed Share, to find some new seeds to try. And plan to check out the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Variety Trial Gardens this summer to see what new varieties we are experimenting with. 

You are always encouraged to call our office at (585) 798-4265 to ask questions or get advice on any of your gardening concerns. We are at your service. Happy garden dreaming!!