Prepping your yard for Winter

I have mixed feelings about preparing the yard for winter. On one hand, I’m excited for the cozy fall days and the vibrant colors the trees will soon display. On the other hand, it’s tough to start winter prep in September when our summer seems to pass by so quickly. Having neglected winter preparations in the past, I understand how crucial it is to get things done early to ensure the garden, flower beds, and lawn can handle the cold winter weather.

Preparing your yard is important for several reasons, particularly in Saskatchewan where our winters can be harsh. Here’s why:

Winter Protection – Proper preparation helps protect plants, grass, and garden structures from the extreme cold and bitter conditions of winter. This includes insulating plants, preventing frost damage, and reducing exposure to severe winds. Keeping your lawn and garden free of debris and excess moisture helps prevent snow mold and other fungal diseases that can thrive under snow cover.

Soil Health – Aeration and composting in the fall can improve soil structure and nutrient content, leading to better soil health and fertility in the spring. Fall preparation helps to stabilize soil and reduce erosion caused by wind and water runoff.

Pest and Disease Management – Cleaning up plant debris and weeds helps eliminate habitats for pests and reduces the likelihood of disease carrying over into the next growing season. By removing infected plant material and treating problem areas, you can help break disease cycles and reduce the chances of problems recurring in the spring.

Optimizing Growth – Fertilizing with a high-potassium fertilizer in the fall strengthens grass roots and improves overall plant health, leading to a more robust lawn and garden in the spring. Proper fall preparation ensures that your plants and lawn are in the best condition to take advantage of the early spring growing season.

Easier Spring Start-Up – A well-prepared yard in the fall means less work and fewer problems in the spring. Addressing issues before winter allows you to start the growing season with a cleaner, healthier lawn and garden.

Tool and Equipment Care – Cleaning and storing tools in the fall prevents rust and damage, extending the lifespan of your equipment and making it ready for use when needed. My husband has stuck to a cleaning and oil change schedule in the fall for decades. It’s paid off with all our equipment starting up nicely in the Spring.

To get you started, here’s a guide to help you get your yard winter-ready:

Lawn Care

• Mow the Lawn: Keep your grass at a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches. This height will help prevent matting under the snow and reduce the risk of snow mold.
• Rake Leaves: Remove leaves and debris from the lawn to prevent mold and diseases. If leaves are left on the grass, they can smother it and create an environment for pests and diseases.
• Fertilize: Apply a high-potassium, low-nitrogen fertilizer in late fall. Potassium helps strengthen the grass roots and improves winter hardiness.
• Aerate: If your lawn is compacted, consider aerating it to improve root growth and water absorption.

Garden Care

• Cut Back Perennials: Trim back perennials to about 2-3 inches above the ground. Some perennials can be left until spring but cutting them back now can help prevent diseases.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help insulate roots and maintain soil moisture.
• Protect Plants: For sensitive plants, consider using burlap or other protective coverings to shield them from harsh winds and frost.

Vegetable Gardens

• Harvest: Pick the last of your vegetables before the first hard frost. If you have root vegetables left in the ground, they can often be left until after the first frost but should be harvested before the ground freezes solid.
• Clean Up: Remove any dead plant material and weeds. This helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden.
• Compost: Add vegetable scraps and other organic matter to your compost pile or bin.

Trees and Shrubs

• Prune: Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or diseased branches. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.
• Wrap Young Trees: Consider wrapping young or newly planted trees with burlap or tree guards to protect them from frost cracks and sunscald.
• Water: Make sure trees and shrubs receive adequate water before the ground freezes. This is especially important if there has been a dry fall.

General Clean-Up

• Store Tools: Clean and store garden tools, hoses, and other equipment in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.
• Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams and ensure proper drainage.
• Check for Damage: Inspect and repair any damage to fences, garden structures, or irrigation systems.

Preparing for Snow

• Winterize Irrigation: Drain and shut off irrigation systems to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Plan for Snow Removal: Ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment, such as shovels or snow blowers, ready for the snow season.

Taking these steps will help ensure your yard is well-prepared for winter, leading to a healthier garden and lawn come springtime. If you have questions or need supplies, head to one of our many greenhouses in the province.

-Sarah Elchuk is a member of the Revenue Growth Team at Directwest