Preparing your Garden for the Winter

Maybe you have had it with gardening for the year.

I'm close to throwing in the towel, but I won't. In fact, I have a tomato plant growing inside right now. I'm using a hydroponics system called an AeroGrow. More to come on this topic. 

I'm also going to be setting up a Window Farm this weekend and am so excited to try it out. 

Image from http://foyupdate.blogspot.com

Back to your garden.Time to prepare it for the winter!

Make sure to pull out any dead or dying plants. You can let them decompose in your garden if you'd like, or place them in your compost.

Unfortunately, it's too late for a cover crop. A cover crop is planted in late September to increase your soil fertility, protect your soil from compacting, and for suppressing weeds. In early spring, I will discuss planting a cover crop to prepare your summer garden.

example of a cover crop from mnn.com

Harsh winter rain can destroy your soil by compacting it down. To prevent this, add 4 inches of organic compost to your entire garden. Not only will the compost protect your garden, it will also add some much needed nutrients. 

Set yourself up for a great growing season next year!