by Jim Segal
As the days grow shorter and colder in northern NJ, it's time to turn our attention to garden winterization. In our local climate zone, we often have the first frost and/or hard freeze by the second half of October, but hardy plants such as swiss chard, brussel sprouts, and root crops like beets and carrots may thrive in the cooler weather, making November a good time to winterize our gardens. This year, consider ways to “think global, act local” through small steps in our own winterization routine. Here are four actions you can take to winterize your garden.
1. Weeding the Garden
Before winter sets in, take the time to clear out any weeds that may have taken root. Weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients and water, even in colder months. By removing them now, you'll not only help your existing plants but also prevent weeds from going to seed, which can lead to a bigger problem come spring. A clean garden bed can also provide a tidy appearance during the winter months.
To help your garden thrive and improve soil health, and the environment, practice no till or minimal till techniques. As part of no-till or minimal till gardening techniques, when you are removing end of season plants (tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc.), instead of pulling out the plant including the roots and soil, just cut the plant stem at ground level. Cutting the plant at ground level will avoid disturbing the soil microorganisms and the roots left in the soil will decompose naturally contributing to the soil health.
2. Compost, Mulch, Leaf Mold or Cover Crop
Adding organic matter to your garden beds is one of the best ways to prepare for winter. Compost enriches the soil and provides nutrients for next season's plants. Alternatively, consider purchasing mulch or leaf mold (a soil supplement made of partially broken down leaves) as a protective layer over your soil. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, which is especially beneficial for any perennials and hardy annuals you may have still growing into November. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle leaves from your yard!
Cover crops like Austrian Field Peas on bare ground can also be used as a “green mulch” alternative. Cover crops can be planted in midsummer up through September in any areas where you were finished harvesting spring vegetables, but you weren’t immediately using for a fall crop. Peas will build up the soil’s nitrogen. Later, when the cover crop naturally dies back, you can just cut back and chop up the plant matter to breakdown further in the soil, providing additional nutrients. Later, plant your spring vegetables right through that mulched area. Feel free to wait and cut the winter crop just prior to planting your spring vegetables.
Using organic / minimal till practices in your garden can be one way you can think globally about helping the planet’s environment, while acting locally right where you are. No-Till, or Minimal Till gardening techniques can help improve soil health and ecosystems through removal of carbon from the atmosphere. The diagram below shows that Soil Organic Matter (SOM) can contribute to improvements in soil biodiversity, climate regulation and improved water quality.
3. Planting Garlic and Spring Flower Bulbs
(Diagram Source: Fig 2, Hoffland, E., Kuyper, T.W., Comans, R.N.J. et al. Eco-functionality of organic matter in soils. Plant Soil 455, 1–22 (2020).)
3. Planting Garlic and Spring Flower Bulbs
November is an ideal time to plant garlic and spring flower bulbs. When planted in the fall, garlic begins to establish roots before winter, leading to a bountiful harvest in the summer. If you have already placed a fluffy layer of mulch or compost on your garden, you can still plant the garlic through that layer into the soil below as recommended for your variety (generally 3-5 inches deep). Some garlic varieties planted in early November will develop garlic scapes (edible pre-flowers that should be removed) by early June. Bulbs will be ready to harvest around early to mid-July depending on weather.
Similarly, planting spring flower bulbs in October and November means you'll be greeted with beautiful blooms as soon as the snow melts. Most bulbs require fall planting. Choose varieties suited to our climate to ensure success. If your garden is visited by deer, consider planting daffodils, which they rarely eat or disturb.
4. General Repairs and Freeze Preparation
Take a walk around your garden and assess any repairs that might be needed before winter arrives or that can be tackled during the winter months. Develop a plan to fix fences, trellises, raised bed frames and other structures and then sort that plan into the items to work on in November and those for the upcoming winter months. The repairs made now will save you time and effort in the spring.
Just prior to frost or a hard freeze, consider covering tender plants with burlap or frost cloth to prevent or delay the effects of frost damage to crops awaiting harvest. Prior to any predicted frost or freeze, you should water your garden well if dry. Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil, protecting roots and warming the air near ground level, and extending the harvest for hardier plants.
Since water expands when frozen, it can cause pipes to burst. Prevent frozen water damage by draining any hoses, outside spigots, non-heated water storage tanks and other water features.
Preparing your garden for winter in West Milford is not just about protecting your plants; it’s also about contributing to a healthier environment. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your garden thrives when spring returns. Embrace the season, and let’s all do our part to care for our local ecosystem, one garden at a time! Happy gardening!