Winter “Green” Gardening Tips: Fight the Winter Blues

During the winter your garden may look like it’s in a state of hibernation. Don’t let it get you down. There are plenty of things you can do on even the chilliest of days to satisfy your gardening urge.

Winter is the time of year when you really have to be careful when taking care of your plants. Follow these simple tips to ensure your garden is protected.

Watering: Most plants lie dormant during the winter and don’t require much water. However if you have evergreens, water them enough to soak their roots.
Organic Pest Control: Sprinkle your garden with corn gluten meal, and water thoroughly—it will keep animals away and naturally prevent weeds from growing.
Organic Mulching: Spread out a layer of mulch over your garden to provide protection from the elements. It also helps to insulate roots and may keep winter weeds from taking over.

Grab Your Coat—We’re Going Outside!

Now that you’ve read up on winter gardening tips, you’re ready to get outside and plant, right? Don’t be too hasty—take a moment to study your landscape and figure out what plants will liven up your sleeping garden and what veggies are the most likely to survive.
The following plants, shrubs and trees are sure to add some color and life to your backyard:

Gaultheria—Produces red berries in the winter.
Lenten Rose—Pink, purple or whitish flowers in late winter.
Viburnum Tinus—Flowers in the winter and produces colorful berries.
Winter Jasmine—Brilliant yellow flowers appear in late winter.

There are a number of veggies that grow during the winter months, like carrots, potatoes and other rooted vegetables. Various types of squash and pumpkins are also ideal to plant in late fall or early winter. If you live in warmer states, you can grow a wide variety of veggies far into the winter.
The best way to determine what grows best during the colder months (and all year long) is to know what gardening zone you live in. Check out the following site to figure out what zone you’re in: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Topics: indoor herb garden, organic gardening tips, indoor gardening tips, winter gardening tips, organic pest control, organic garden, green gardening,

Indoor Gardening Tips

For those of you who can’t bear to leave the warmth of your home unless it’s at least a balmy 75 degrees, don’t fret. Simply turn your home into a haven for your gardening—all it takes is a bit of patience and practice.

Be sure to not over water your indoor plants—it can result in drooping leaves. Try adding moisture to the air with a humidifier or simply boil a pot of water and let it simmer. The increased humidity will keep everything (including you) from getting too dry. When purchasing indoor plants, or brining your outdoor plants inside, pay attention to how much light they crave. Most do well in direct sunlight; however if true light isn’t available, you can use artificial light.

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Indoor Herb Gardening: Tips on making your own.

Gather your supplies: potting soil, various herb seeds and a long flowerpot.
Plant seeds (try basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and chives) about 4-5 inches apart.
Keep your garden close to a window so it gets plenty of sun.
Water when soil looks dry.
You should see sprouts in 8-10 days!

>Watch the video on How to Start and Indoor Garden

Gardening can be therapeutic and gives most people a feeling of relaxation and peace. Don’t get discouraged when Old Man Winter comes around and turns your garden drab and lifeless. With the proper care, attention and nourishment, you just might see bright flowers and greenery all winter long!

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Little Gardeners

Check out these tips to get your little ones excited about gardening.

Decorative Containers—Grab some old pots and some arts and crafts supplies. Let your kids create their own unique flowerpots.
Cook Something Up—Let them eat what they grow! Go through cookbooks together and pick out a few recipes that incorporate their own veggies.
Choose Your Seeds—Give them a seed catalog and let them pick out their own seeds that they can plant and watch grow.

Continue for more information and activities on Organic Gardening For Kids >>

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