...if you have a backyard and a kitchen, this blog might be for you!

a chronicle of tips and recipes on everything from gardening to canning and baking your produce, even if you're planted in suburbia...in fact, especially if you are planted in suburbia.



Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Midwinter Garden Calendar Review


As I type this, the weather man is telling me all about the wind chill advisories keeping the layer of ice on my garden firmly entrenched--at least until later in the week. But...this weekend, comes a big thaw! If he's right, I know I'll want to get out and breath the first air that holds a hint of spring. This weekend might also be a good time to run through the midwinter to-do list, just in case another weather system comes through after this weekend, thwarting any gardening efforts for yet another week or two. So, here is what the Gardening Basics book recommends for midwinter gardening activity. Both the edible and ornamental garden calenders are merged here, seeing so much overlap exists:




Test soil pH before applying lime


Hang up garlic bulbs to dry


Plant fruit bushes and trees


Plant garlic (if you haven't already)


Lift and store root crops for further winter use


Check fruit in store


Plant hedges


Lift layered plants


Start forcing rhubarb


Lift leeks and parsnips as required


Disinfect canes and supports not treated earlier


Make a new compost heap


Take root cuttings


Collect and compost leaves as they fall


Cut down the dead tops on herbaceous perennials


Order seeds and bulbs


Check stored corms, bulbs, and tubers for mold and rot


Clean and service lawn mower if not done earlier


Knock heavy snows off hedges and conifers before it turns to ice (unless it started out ice, as in our area recently)


Insulate cold frames against frost





Happily, the next calendar will be the late winter one, coming early in March. By then, Hubby and I will spend less time staring out at the scene and more time being involved in it. I don't know about you, but after this exceptionally harsh winter, I'm looking forward to spring all the more!




Happy winter-work!




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