Winterize Your Garden

Autumn is just around the corner, but the garden work doesn’t end yet! It is very important (and beneficial) to take time to winterize your garden beds after a long growing season. Plants take up nutrients from the soil- leaving it depleted and infertile. Some plants put nutrients back into the soil, but winterizing your garden is a simple and effective way of replenishing your soil.

There are many benefits to winterization: less weeds in the spring, retains moisture in the soil, uses up the resources already on your lawn (i.e. dead leaves), less preparation of the soil required in the spring.

I would like to take the time to note that I have editied this blog post after a conversation I had with someone more knolwedgable than me. His advice was greatly appreciated- It is wonderful to know that I have so many resources and avenues for information around me!

Before you begin to cover your beds you have to remove any leftover debris from the previous growing season. Most people choose to chop up the old leaves and stalks from their vegetable garden and compost the plant remains.

First, assess the plants. Does it show signs of disease that may be harmful? If something looks questionable and you’re unsure, it is probably best to just throw out the plant in a securely tied bag. Precautions like these may seem extreme, but are very important in order to prevent the disease from being passed on within your garden or elsewhere.

You will want to remove any seed heads/pods before you compost/mulch the leftovers. If you are not careful you might provide the perfect habitat for unwanted or unexpected plants in your garden or compost pile. This probably will not harm your garden beds directly, but it may cause more work for you in the spring as well as draw from the nutrients in your compost pile. Save yourself the hassle, dispose of the seeds properly (in securely tied garbage bag).

Did you grow any nightshade plants? These include (but are not limited to): tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers (all kinds). Although I found various opinions online, some people prefer to not compost the leaves, stems and roots of these plants. Nightshade crops have edible fruits (tomatoes, eggplants...), however many consider the foliage to be toxic. Most gardeners stay on the safe side and do not include such plants in their compost and winterization ritual; however, the uneaten fruit can of course be composted.

Now the bed is clear of vegetation. The next step comes with a choice: turning the soil. Many choose not to disturb the soil for the fear of stirring up dormant weeds. The weeds will probably not turn up until next spring, but it’s the gardeners choice. If you do decide to turn the soil, use a rototiller, shovel, rake (maybe even your hands)- whatever you fancy- and turn about 6 inches into the soil.

Leave the soil as is and add anywhere from 2-4 inches of organic compost and mulch- this can be dead leaves, old plant remnants and homemade compost (food waste), straw or tree bark. Cover the bed completely. Add some water. Autumn rains will help flush nutrients deeper into the soil and these organic materials will continue to break down over the winter. Moisture will be locked in during cold, so there is no need to water the area regularly.

That’s it! The task of winterization may appear daunting at first, but it will benefit you and your garden in the long run. Sustaining this valuable plot of land ensures you a healthy environment  to harvest vegetables next spring/summer.

Good luck!

The Ecohouse at OU will be winterizing it's community garden soon! If you would like to be involved on this project then please don't hesitate to contact me! mm633111@ohio.edu