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Winter mornings in Northwest Arkansas often greet us with frost-tipped grass and crisp, cool air. For gardeners, it might feel like gardening has gone dormant, much like the plants we tend. But picture this: a spring morning where your garden is already bursting with life, thanks to the thoughtful preparation you did during these chilly months. While it’s tempting to take a break, winter is your secret weapon for a flourishing spring garden. With a little planning, some care for your tools and soil, and the joy of dreaming about next season’s blooms, you can set the stage for your best garden yet.
These winter tasks will ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives.
Winter is the perfect time to reflect on your past gardening seasons. What worked well? What didn’t? Use this quiet season to map out your plans for spring.
Take a moment to think about your previous garden. Did some plants struggle while others thrived? Were there areas where weeds took over? Write these observations down in a gardening journal. For example, if your tomatoes battled pests last year, research companion planting or pest-resistant varieties for the upcoming season. Maybe your arborvitaes got bagworms, so make a plan to use tree & shrub drench first thing in the spring.
This is also the season to dream about what your garden could become. Do you want to expand your vegetable patch? Try growing some new varieties? Or perhaps add more perennials for pollinators? Our Plant Finder tool can help you plan out what you want to try this year. It also helps to sketch out your garden layout, deciding visually where everything will go.
If you are thinking about adding or expanding your vegetable garden, take a look at some layout examples we created here. Make sure you keep in mind what nutrients may have been depleted from last growing season, so you can rotate your crops to balance the soil.
Planning now ensures you’ll be ready to act as soon as the ground warms up.
Speaking of soil, the key to a productive spring garden is healthy soil. Winter is a great time to assess and care for it so your ground is ready to nourish your plants when the growing season begins.
If you haven’t already, add a thick layer of compost or mulch to your garden beds. This layer protects the soil from compaction, prevents erosion, and slowly releases nutrients over the winter months. In raised beds, consider using a floating row cover to further insulate the soil and encourage microbial activity. For overwintering vegetables like carrots or garlic, add an extra 8-inch layer of mulch to keep them alive until spring.
Not sure about your soil’s health? The University of Arkansas Agriculture Extension offers a very helpful, free soil test service for Arkansas residents. Learn more and take advantage of it here.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, and this step will make a big difference in your spring success.
Winter isn’t just about planning; it’s also the perfect time to ensure your tools and equipment are in top shape.
Take time to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Well-maintained tools are not only easier to use but also help you work more efficiently. If you notice any tools that need replacing, add them to your shopping list.
How do you sharpen your pruners? Start by disassembling the pruners, if possible, to access the blade more easily. Use a metal file or sharpening stone at a consistent 20-25 degree angle to gently file the beveled edge of the blade, moving in one direction. Make sure to clean the blade beforehand and remove any rust or debris. After sharpening, wipe the blade with a cloth and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Reassemble your pruners, and they’ll be ready for smooth, clean cuts in your garden.
To clean rust off your tools, start by scrubbing the affected areas with a stiff wire brush or steel wool to remove loose rust. For tougher rust, soak the tool in a mixture of white vinegar and water for a few hours to loosen the buildup. After soaking, scrub the rusted spots again with steel wool or a brush. Rinse the tool thoroughly with water, dry it completely, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent future rust. Regular cleaning and oiling will keep your tools in great condition for years to come.
As we get into late February, it’s time to start thinking about planting.
In Northwest Arkansas, you can start cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli indoors in late winter. Use seed trays and grow lights to give your plants a head start. Once the last frost has passed, you’ll have healthy seedlings ready to transplant into your garden.
If you don’t want to bother with starting from seed, don’t worry – our growers will start lots of veggies over the winter so you can just buy the plant come Spring.
Winter also offers a clear view of your garden’s structure. Are there areas prone to erosion or poor drainage? Does snow melt faster in certain spots, indicating more sunlight? Use these observations to plan adjustments that will improve your garden’s layout and functionality.
Winter is an ideal time to prune many trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Focus on pruning deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and fruit trees, as this is the best time to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also shape these trees to improve their structure without causing stress to the plant.
Shrubs that bloom on new wood, like butterfly bushes and hydrangeas (varieties that bloom on new growth), benefit from winter pruning as well. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs, like forsythia or azaleas, as they set their buds in the fall, and cutting them back in winter will reduce their blooms in spring.
You can also prune back perennials in late winter if you haven’t already. Removing old growth now will help prepare the plants for fresh spring growth. Focus on cutting back dead or damaged foliage from perennials like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. Use sharp, clean pruners to cut the stems down to a few inches above the ground. However, avoid pruning any perennials that have already started showing new growth, as this could stress the plant.
Winter may seem like a time of rest for the garden, but it’s actually a season of preparation and potential. By reflecting on past seasons, caring for your soil, and doing some basic prep, you’re laying the groundwork for a vibrant, productive garden. So grab your gardening journal, a mug of hot tea, and embrace the quiet joys of winter gardening. When spring finally arrives, you’ll be glad you did.
