Big Mistakes to Avoid When Prepping Your Garden for Winter

Hugo Massey January 2, 2023 0 Comments

Okay, your home may have well-insulated walls and a cozy fire inside, but your garden needs to be prepared for winter too. This is especially true if you just bought a house. Although the cold weather brings with it some relaxation from the labor of gardening, you still need to make sure that your plants are protected for them to survive the winter and flourish come springtime. Unfortunately, there are many mistakes people can make when preparing their garden for winter, so it’s a must to be aware of them and take the necessary steps to avoid them. Here are some big mistakes that you should try to steer clear of when preparing your garden for winter

Not Mulching Enough

melchingMulching is beneficial for protecting your plants from cold weather. It helps insulate the soil and keep it at a more consistent temperature throughout winter, preventing it from freezing. When mulching, make sure you spread an even layer of 2-3 inches around your plants. Don’t forget to add extra layers of mulch to the roots of trees and shrubs, as this will help to protect them from the cold.

Not only this, but mulching can also help to control weed growth and keep your soil from becoming too dry.

Over-Cultivating Your Soil

If you want to turn the soil in your garden over for the winter, it’s best to do this in the fall before the ground freezes. This will help to aerate the soil and give your plants a chance to take up more nutrients from it. However, don’t dig too deeply into the soil, as this can cause damage to the roots of your plants. In general, stick to a depth of no more than 6 inches and make sure to break up any large clumps so that air can get into the soil.

Leaving Pests Unchecked

Winter doesn’t mean that pests disappear completely – in fact, many critters, such as caterpillars, overwinter in the soil and can wreak havoc come springtime. As such, it’s important to take steps to prevent their populations from getting out of control. This means regularly inspecting your plants for signs of damage and taking action if you spot any suspicious activity. There are a number of natural pest controls that you can use, such as diatomaceous earth or even companion planting.

Failing to Rake and Clean

rakingThe last thing you want to do when wintering your garden is leave some leaves and debris behind. Not only does this make your garden look untidy, it can also attract pests and cause diseases. As such, be sure to rake out the beds before winter arrives and clear up any fallen fruits or plant material that might be lying around. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to having a garden ready for winter and able to thrive in the cold months ahead.

With the proper preparations, your garden will be healthy and vibrant come springtime. As a bonus, you’ll also have the peace of mind that your plants are safe and sound – even when it’s freezing outside.…

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How to Keep Garden Moles Away

Hugo Massey May 18, 2022 0 Comments
garden

Moles can be a real nuisance for homeowners. They can damage gardens and lawns and can be challenging to get rid of. But don’t worry because we got some pest advice from the pros like the new Thanos Home Info Hub (their blog), which is a great resource for DIY pest control with over 200 articles covering the most common USA home pest control critters to keep moles away from your home and garden. Follow these tips, and you will be able to enjoy your yard without having to worry about pesky moles.

Build a Fence

Occlusion is still the cheapest yet most effective method of getting rid of moles. If you have a mole problem in your yard, the first step is to build a fence around the perimeter of your property. This will prevent moles from being able to enter your yard in the first place.

There are two types of fences that you can use to keep moles out: physical and electronic:

  1. Physical fences are the most common type of fence used to keep moles out. They are made of metal, plastic, or concrete and stand about 18 inches tall. The holes in the fence should be small enough that moles cannot fit through them.
  2. Electronic fences are becoming more popular because they are easier to install and maintain than physical fences. They work by emitting a low-voltage electrical current that moles cannot cross.

leaf

Choose the Right Plants

Another way to keep moles away from your home is to choose the right plants. Moles are attracted to areas with lots of insects, so planting insect-repelling plants can help keep them away. Some plants that repel insects include:

  • Lavender
  • Marigolds
  • Citronella
  • Pennyroyal
  • Mint

These plants will not only help keep moles away, but they will also make your yard smell nice.

Remove Their Food Source

Moles are attracted to areas with lots of insects because they eat them. If you can remove the insects from your yard, you will also remove the food source that attracts moles.

There are a few ways that you can get rid of insects in your yard:

  1. Use insecticide – This is the most effective way to get rid of insects. There are many different types of insecticides available, so be sure to choose one specifically designed to kill the type of insects in your yard.
  2. Remove their hiding places – Insects like to hide in dark, moist areas. Remove any potential hiding places from your yards, such as piles of leaves or wood.
  3. Keep your lawn mowed – Long grass is a perfect place for insects to hide. Keep your lawn mowed short of making it less attractive to them.

By following these tips, you can keep moles away from your home and enjoy your yard again. Do you have any other tips for keeping moles away? Share them in the comments below.…

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