Winter Garden Tasks

It may not feel like we have turned the corner towards spring just yet, but it will be here before you know it, I promise. While you wait, (taps pencil impatiently) let’s look at what you can do to feel like a gardener in the winter, in Colorado.

If you have fruit trees or bushes, you will want to do some pruning now while they are dormant. Remove dead branches as well as anything that looks diseased. 

Remove old leaves from leafy crops still in your garden and compost. If you have dried leaves from trees or garden plants, leave these alone, they are providing a home for insects and spiders to overwinter. You can mix them into the soil later in the spring.

Review your garden notes from last season, and create your garden plan for this year. What will you grow, and what companion plants will you need to plant alongside them? Don’t forget your pots and landscape as you outline your plans. Organize your leftover seeds and get your seed orders in before your selection becomes limited. The seed catalogs are excellent resources full of possibilities, but don’t hesitate to visit your local garden center as well. The satisfaction of walking out with seeds, supplies and tools in hand, while supporting a local business makes this visit worthwhile. 

If your garden plan includes leeks and onions, get them started indoors in January.