Cold weather maintenance

In the Garden
Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener

     We have had the coldest weather in several years and a light snowfall is on the ground.  Could there possibly be any garden chores that need to be done?  Actually, this is a good time for an important preventative measure that could save some of the new plants that went into your garden in the fall.  One of the biggest causes of failure with fall-planted perennials and shrubs is that our alternating periods of freezing and thawing results in heaving.  The roots of young plants do not go as deeply in the soil as established plants and the heaving often results in pushing the roots out of the ground.  That may cause the plant to dry out or may cause the exposed roots to freeze during the next cold spell.  
     You may approach this in a couple of ways.  One solution is to take a walk through your garden each time it thaws to inspect the plants, especially those that were planted in the fall.  If you find heaved roots, you may place your foot on the base of the plant and push the roots back into the soil.  However, if roots heave one time, they are likely to heave again, so this has to be repeated after each thaw.
     The better solution is to not let the ground thaw.  Mulch acts as insulation, and if it is applied on frozen ground, the ground will stay frozen longer.  That prevents heaving.  The problem is getting mulch.  Garden centers often have a big sale in the fall and get rid of mulch so they do not have to store it for the winter.  Even if they have some bagged mulch, it likely is stored outside and may be frozen.  Bulk mulch may also be frozen in a mound.  If you can find loose mulch, apply a four-inch layer around perennial plants, shrubs and trees.  That should be enough to take care of heaving.  In most cases, it can remain in place come spring, but you may need to rake it back from the plant crowns once the weather warms.  It could hold too much moisture on the plant and result in rotting.  Once again, even in winter, the gardener’s shadow is the best thing one may add to a garden.
     Other winter chores are mostly in the realm of preparations.  Many small-engine repair shops offer special winter rates for servicing equipment, so take advantage of the opportunity to get equipment in running order.  You may also use the time to sharpen hoes, pruners and other blades.  You may also apply a light coat of oil.
     Finally, cold snowy days are especially suited for thumbing through seed and nursery catalogues or looking at some gardening books.  Let your mind wander to a warm spring day.  It will be here before you know it.