3 Ways To Protect Your Plants In The Winter
And Help Them Thrive In The Spring
Information Courtesy of College Station Parks & Recreation
A famous adage among Texans is a variation of “if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.”
Making plans around unpredictable weather isn’t easy, especially for gardeners. Icy winter storms, deluges of rain, and stretches of high temperatures take a heavy toll on our landscapes and gardens. Unfortunately, severe weather can wreak havoc on your hard work regardless of what protection measures you incorporate.
But don’t fret — you can take proactive steps to minimize the damage. Here are three ways to properly prepare your garden for the winter and beyond:
- Research
It’s fun to dive into researching your area about the best plants to grow. Some can tolerate colder temperatures, while others don’t — including most vegetables. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office to discuss the local hardiness zone and get expert recommendations about what to plant.
- Plan
After adequately studying the plants, you can implement a protection plan. In some cases, you may need to cover plants with a sheet or blanket, provide mulch to protect the roots, or move a potted plant into a covered location such as a garage.
- Learn
This spring, expand your gardening knowledge through the “Get Growing with Brazos County Master Gardeners” series at Lick Creek Nature Center. The program offers a variety of topics for new and seasoned garden enthusiasts. Classes are $4 per person, and registration is underway. Here’s the schedule:
Sunday, Feb. 20 • 3-4:30 p.m.
“Growing Herbs in the Home Garden”
Sunday, March 20 • 3-4:30 p.m.
“How to Improve Garden Soil”
Sunday, April 10 • 3-4:30 p.m.
“Lasting Color in Your Garden”
As we tend to our gardens and ease into the winter, we encourage you to plan for winter and spring garden care and look forward to seeing you at Lick Creek Nature Center to learn and grow together.
For more information on our programs, visit cstx.gov/LickCreek or call 979.764.6216.