Winterizing Garden Tips

As winter arrives, plants need to concentrate on root growth. They need fertilizers with higher concentrations of potassium and phosphorous.

Agastache x 'Ava'
Item # 11821 		Agastache 'Ava'
Ava's Hummingbird Mint

each $9.79
3 to 6 plants $9.59
7 or more $9.29

20% Off! $7.83
Yum Yum Mix® 'Winterizer' Organic Fertilizer
Item # 99811 		Yum Yum Mix® 'Winterizer' Organic Fertilizer

Each $39.95
White Flowered African Lily Detail
Item # 11700 		Agapanthus sp. 'Cold Hardy White'
White Flowered African Lily

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59

30% Off! $5.60
Soil Mender Humate
Item # H0019 		Soil Mender Humate

each $11.95
  • Topic: Winter Care
  • Author: David Salman
  • Keywords: garden tips, winterizing
  • Date: November 2008

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As winter arrives, plants need to concentrate on root growth. They need fertilizers with higher concentrations of potassium and phosphorous. We recommend Yum Yum Mix® ‘Winterizer’, a special formula for trees, shrubs and perennials. Along with increased levels of phosphorous and potassium it has granular humate. Many soils thought to be poor actually have minerals and nutrients that are “locked up” and humates make them more readily available to plants. You can also add Soil Mender® Humate directly.

Apply fall fertilizers while the weather is still warm during the day. Warm soil aids root growth. New plants need to get their root systems established before winter and mature plants need a healthy dose of nutrients. After applying fertilizer, add a layer of mulch for winter protection.

Amazing as it is, plant loss in the winter is more commonly caused by lack of water than by freezing temperatures. If properly cared for, cold-hardy plants can make it through brutally cold weather. They are adaptable. But they can’t go without water.

Even dormant plants still need moisture to maintain their physiological and biochemical changes that make them tolerant of the cold. The rule of thumb is to water thoroughly once every 2-3 weeks through the fall. Then depending on the amount of precipitation and severity of cold temperatures, keep up this watering schedule throughout the winter months. In some places the ground is often too solidly frozen in late Dec. and Jan. to water, but begins to thaw enough by mid Feb. to resume supplemental irrigation.