Winter Gardening Tips: Keep Your Green Thumb Active as Traditional Growing Season Wraps Up
As the winter solstice approaches on December 21, farmers and gardeners continue to prepare for the colder months. In Springfield, Missouri, Dan Bigbee of Fassnight Creek Farm is leading efforts to transition from the previous growing season. His team is focused on cleaning up and getting the land ready for winter.
Essential Winter Gardening Practices
Key tasks include breaking down wood for firewood sales and erecting fencing. This is crucial to protect the remaining crops from deer and other wildlife. Both Bigbee and experts from the University of Missouri Extension emphasize the importance of soil testing. Determining nutrient needs now sets a strong foundation for future planting.
Soil Testing Importance
Bigbee compares soil testing to a culinary experience, stressing the significance of knowing your soil’s baseline before applying treatments. “It’s like ordering a bowl of chili and adding hot sauce without tasting it first,” he explained.
Benefits of Mulching
Mulching is another critical step for winter gardening. Both large farms and small gardens should use materials like straw, leaves, compost, or wood chips. These materials provide insulation against harsh winter conditions, help suppress weeds, and maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Planning for the Next Growing Season
Winter is also an excellent time for farmers and gardeners to plan ahead for the spring planting season. Bigbee encourages enthusiasts to explore seed catalogs and prepare gardening tools and plans. This proactive approach can significantly enhance success when the traditional growing season resumes.
Additional Resources
- Soil testing for nutrient needs
- Using mulch to protect soil
- Planning and preparing for the next planting season
For those looking for more gardening tips during December, the University of Missouri Extension offers a wealth of resources to explore.
