In San Diego, the winter can be a fickle time. Sometimes it is warm and sunny, perfect for going to the beach; other days, the rain pours down. Because of this fluctuation in weather, it is important to properly maintain your garden during the winter for optimal performance in the spring and summer.
The Role of H2O
Water is an important part of maintaining your garden. Use your irrigation system sparingly in the dry season and completely turn it off when it rains. It is important to remember that plants, especially drought-tolerant plants, need less water when the weather is cool and the sun shines less. In fact, over watering succulents can cause them to rot and die.
If it does rain, there are a two important things to remember. First, wait a day or two before working in the garden. When you walk on wet soil it compacts it, pushing out air pockets that hold oxygen and nitrogen. This can cause problems for developing plants. Second, it is also important to avoid leaving standing water in your garden. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To avoid this, turn over buckets, pots and dishes that have gathered rainwater.
Drought Management
Because drought is a possibility in the winter, consider planting native drought-tolerant plants including golden currant or manzanita. One benefit of living in California is that succulent plants look great in the late fall and even winter, allowing you to easily change the look of your garden and keep it looking alive throughout the year. You can also consider planting a winter vegetable garden, including plants like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beets, spinach and parsley.
Trees, though they may appear dead in the winter, are not. In fact, the winter months are the time to prune them to ensure they come back fuller and healthier. It is important to prune trees properly, not just haphazardly cut off branches. An expert in the field, such as those at Juniper Landscape Company in San Diego, can help you properly prune your trees.
Let Juniper Landscape Company Help With Your Winter Garden Maintenance
Juniper Landscape Company in San Diego is here to help you with all of your landscaping and gardening needs. Our experts understand the importance of maintaining a garden during the winter months and how to do it properly. We can help you properly care for your plants, including trees and rose buses, as well as prepare your landscape for the coming spring. When you want to get the most out of your outdoor space, call the experts at Juniper Landscape Company!