Planting
Even in this cold weather you can still plant trees and shrubs! Planting now ensures that the roots have time to establish themselves before the spring growing season, giving them a good start.
Maintenance and Protection:
Don’t forget to water covered or protected plants regularly throughout the winter. While they won’t break down on their own through the winter, rake up old leaves and use them as mulch to protect your garden beds- or use compost, straw or manure. Shredding the leaves will help them break down more rapidly. They can add organic material that will add nutrients to your soil. Dispose of any diseased materials properly.
Winter Tips:
• Weeding in the garden right now helps to mitigate the onslaught of weeds in the springtime.
• Clean up any brush piles or plant materials that can harbor slugs and snails. Using Sluggo will help control them.
• Clean up flowering perennials by snipping off the brown spent flower stalks. Consider using row cover on more cold sensitive plants when temperatures drop to protect your plants from more extreme weather.
Backyard Birds:
During the winter months, food becomes scarce for our feathered neighbors. Putting up feeders during the winter (ideally October through April) can help them get enough food to maintain sufficient body heat. For more information on feeding wild birds, check out this handy information about Feeding Wild Birds put together by the Oregon State University Extension Service. Check out information on Hummingbird Feeder Care and visit our bird section in the garden department for feeders and other bird care supplies.
