Gardening chores you should do now to prepare for spring

December Gardening Chores for Spring Preparation

Greetings, garden enthusiasts! While some lucky folks in the Southeast or deep Southwest still enjoy the sunshine and tomatoes, the rest of us are caught in a blizzard of snow and sleet. Though it's a welcome respite from the summer and autumn's hectic pace, there's still plenty to do if you're eager.

Plant Bulbs Now for a Blooming Spring

Yes, it's cold, but as long as the ground is workable, you're safe. Bulbs thrive in this weather. It could get trickier as the weather turns colder, so seize the day with these great offers from my favorite bulb vendors like Eden Brothers, Dutch Bulb Farm, and Blake's[^1]. They carry a variety of fall bulbs and offer discounts up to 50%. Dutch Bulb Farm also offers a range of deals, ideal for large purchases. Blake's End of Season Sale has roses and lighter narcissus, as well as some fantastic offers for alliums.

Don't let the cold deter you from planting garlic, onions, and shallots. If your garden center is out of garlic, many people have had success using store-bought garlic, and although the general consensus is that organic garlic is best, non-organic garlic also sprouts consistently in my kitchen. The same advice applies to spring bulbs. If you come across shallot sets, throw them in the ground. Since they're typically sold in sets, you never know if they have too many.

Let the Rain do the Work

Did you struggle to sprout carrots during the summer? Don't worry, it's not autumn. Rainwater can covertly help your vegetable seedlings - provided you don't wait too long for it to rain. Before the weather turns consistently rainy, scatter your carrot seeds and radish seeds, including Daikon and shallot seeds, on your bed and take a leisurely stroll to watch them sprout. The same goes for peas, spinach, and lettuce seeds. If they sprout, great! If not, not to worry.

Now's also the perfect time to consider cold stratification, a technique used to mimic natural winter conditions to break seed dormancy and promote germination in spring. Depending on the flower seed variety, you can sow them now, allowing them to sprout after winter or cold-store them in a refrigerator for six to eight weeks before planting in the spring.

Tool Time

Early winter is the perfect time to store your gardening tools away from the elements. This is also the ideal opportunity to inspect each project for any required repairs. Sharpen blades, such as those on saws, and clean rust from shovels.[^2] Make sure the tools are clean before storing them. Then, pull out your shovel and snow rake from storage and place them near your front door.

Prune Sleepy Trees and Shrubs

Not all trees and shrubs hibernate during winter, but your extensive collection is now ready for winter. It's high time to tidy up those dormant trees and shrubs by pruning them. Pruning shrubs for winter will improve the firewood outcome, while larger branches can be trimmed back and dried for next year's growing season. However, remember that pruning branches at this time can cause problems for the tree if they're used during harsh winter conditions or exposed to snow and rain.[^3]

Winter-Friendly Plants

Some plants benefit from winter mulch, which means wrapping them with bags, leaves, or insulation. Your local garden store will know if your garden might need mulching, but young fruit or fig trees might especially appreciate the additional protection against extreme winter temperatures.[^4] You can purchase bags of mulch at your garden store.

Get Ready to Sow Seeds

In approximately six weeks, it'll be time to start sowing the seeds for the following year's garden. Seed catalogs are now available, and most seeds are already listed online. Ordering ahead of time ensures you have the best selection and can enjoy quick delivery.[^5] If you still have seed packets from the previous year, develop a plan for which seeds to order now.

References

Enrichment Data

Cold Stratification Gardening Tasks for Spring Preparation

Cold stratification is a process that mimics the natural winter conditions required by some seeds to break dormancy and germinate in the spring. Here are the key tasks involved in cold stratification:

1. Identify Seeds That Require Stratification
2. Some plants, like snapdragons, milkweed, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers, require cold stratification to germinate[1][2][4].
3. Prepare the Seeds
4. Mix the seeds with a moist medium like a paper towel, perlite, or sand[1][5].
5. Ensure the medium stays moist but not soggy. Check weekly to maintain the right moisture level[5].
6. Store in the Fridge
7. Place the seed mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator at temperatures around 35-45°F (2-7°C)[1][5].
8. Timing
9. The length of stratification varies depending on the seed variety. Typically, it ranges from two weeks to one month[4][5].

Where to Find Bulbs for Planting During Winter

While the question specifically asks about bulbs, the provided sources primarily focus on seeds. However, if you're looking for bulbs to plant during winter, you can typically find them at:

1. Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
2. These stores usually carry a variety of bulbs suitable for winter planting, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
3. Online Plant Retailers
4. Websites like Burpee, ProPlants, or specialty bulb retailers often have a wide selection of bulbs available for purchase.
5. Seed Catalogs and Online Marketplaces
6. Some seed companies also sell bulbs, especially those that specialize in perennials and flowering plants. Online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy may also have vendors selling bulbs.

For specific advice on winter planting with bulbs, you might want to consult resources dedicated to bulb gardening, such as gardening blogs or books focused on winter gardening.