Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1529448
VALUE-ADD The gentle fall of winter's snow provides the perfect backdrop to a cozy, crackling fire—nature's magic is a seasonal delight. But for outdoor gardens, an extreme chill and heavy snowfall can be downright frightful. To help your plants thrive in freezing temps, it's important to find the right varietals and keep them well-fed and properly maintained. Read on to learn all about cold-weather planting. Kale A healthy and hardy plant that lives best during wintertime, kale can survive in temperatures as low as 5° F. Plant leafy or ornamental kale whenever you'd like—it's one of the few plants that can grow well into winter, when little else can be harvested. Evergreens This group of plants is a natural pick for winter wow. Ideal for the garden's dormant areas, evergreens offer a scrumptious scent and lovely shade of green all year long. Tips for Winter Garden Maintenance Beautiful, green winter flora and fresh vegetables grown in your own backyard are a testament to your hard work. To help you succeed: Plant hardy varieties. Look for cultivars specifically bred for winter gardening so they can tolerate intense weather. Mulch. Apply two to three inches of organic mulch to keep soil moist and insulate plants. Blanket plants. Lightweight row covers or cloches can protect plants from frost and cold wind, while allowing in warm sunlight. Water wisely. Water at least once weekly until the ground freezes to help plants take root before winter dormancy and keep roots growing. Prep your soil. Ensure soil for new plants includes a mix of compost or other organic matter, and fertilize your trees and lawn. Watch the weather. Be prepared to take action if you expect severe weather. Bring potted plants in and protect outdoor plants from harsh conditions. Hostas These decorative and easy-to-grow plants fill large areas and come in various colors and styles, making them a great choice to add beauty and interest to your space. Brussels Sprouts A cruciferous plant, Brussels sprouts are of the same species as broccoli and kale. Grown for their edible buds, their quality doesn't suffer after a winter's freeze. In fact, Brussels sprouts welcome frost, often turning sweeter after a good chill. Ferns Believe it or not, ferns are among the oldest plants in the world. Depending on your location and plant variation, they may retain their vibrant color during the colder months, especially in more southern regions. Winter Gardening Guide Everything you need to know about cold-weather planting. Cold-Friendly Plants Though many floras prefer to sit out the winter months, plenty enjoy this time of year. Plants that are excellent for winter gardening, are cold-weather friendly, and stay green year after year include kale, ferns, hostas, evergreens, and Brussels sprouts. When To Plant New plants need time to mature to withstand the first hard freeze. While plants purchased in a container may already be more developed, seed packets will indicate the number of days needed to reach maturity. Determine the approximate date of the first hard freeze, then count backward by the number of days required for mature growth. Plant accordingly to guarantee sprouts have ample time to grow before the freeze. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 9