According to a recent article on Fauquier Now, August is the best time to prepare gardens for cold winter months even when weeds are outgrowing flowerbeds and grass. The article recommends green thumbs should label and mark where dormant plants are -- this way, people can replant them come next spring. The article also says that weeds, a gardener's worst enemy, usually die off during the winter. However, it is critical for a lawn's health to take control of them and de-weed even as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops.

It is also important to keep up with mulch as plants start dying. The article recommends that homeowners "fluff" their mulch and apply new mulch where old mulch has already decomposed. Two inches will suffice to prevent nutrients in the soil from evaporating. If there is too much mulch, however, people run the risk of blocking off any water from reaching the soil.

Watering is another important thing to keep in mind, even during cold winter months. By nourishing gardens and flowerbeds with damp topsoil during dry weeks, the soil becomes healthier for spring planting.

"A lot of lawn owners ignore plants during the winter season," a representative from Purely Organic Health Care says. "In order for yards to grow green and healthy come the summer, you need to make sure you water it if there's an autumn dry spell and keep enough fresh mulch over flowerbeds and under bushes to keep them protected from the cold."

Container plants require different strategies to ensure their health. Homeowners should find a place inside that gets plenty of sun and water them more than outdoor plants because of their limited root systems. Each species and size of plant requires different levels of watering; like with outdoor watering, make sure they are moist and receive a healthy dose of water instead of forgetting about them over the winter.

The article says that spring lawn care and gardening starts now -- stay several steps ahead of the weather and make sure to aerate and seed grass when the time is ripe for seeds to go dormant that will eventually sprout up in the spring.

"No time is better than the winter to landscape and renovate your lawn," Purely Organic Lawn Care says. "Often, homeowners damage plants when making changes to their yards. During the winter, however, there is lower risk for soil and permanent damage. Before moving things around, replant flowers and vegetables or move them inside."

Vegetables and harvest herbs also do better in the spring with good winter management. The article says that garden cleanup is also useful. Purely Organic Lawn Care recommends properly disposing of or even making compost out of dead leaves.

ABOUT:

Based in New Hampshire, Purely Organic Lawn Care strives to provide organic lawn solutions. The company's services include soil testing, crabgrass management, and general lawn care. It also advises homeowners to take care of their lawns during the winter months.