One of the most important things you can do is to learn which USDA winter hardiness zone you are in. In Central Virginia, we are in zone 7a, which means our winter lows can drop to around 5 degrees. To the west, in the mountains, some areas are zone 6, where their winter lows have been known to drop to -5. Near the coast, there is an area of zone 7b—winter lows have dropped to as low as 10 degrees.
How USDA Determine Zones
The USDA determines winter hardiness zones by calculating the average winter temperatures over the past 30 years. These temperatures are an average, not an absolute, and may omit the coldest a zone has ever gotten. But they give you a place to start when choosing plants for your yard.
What to Do Now
Another thing you can do now is remove your annual flowers. Marigolds, impatiens, geraniums, zinnias, etc., will not survive the winter.
For perennials, you can remove any foliage that has blackened after the first frost. Perennials will make it over the winter, but some will lose their foliage. Remove only dead or dying foliage, and do NOT dig up the plant. You want to leave a few perennials undisturbed—rudbeckias (black-eyed susans), echinaceas, etc.- that have seed heads that birds LOVE.
Clear Those Weeds and Debris
Now is also a great time to clear weeds and debris from your gardens so they don’t provide a place for diseases or insect eggs to hide.
Clean and Sharpen Your Garden Tools
After cleaning your flower beds, this is also a great time to clean your tools before putting them away for the winter. That way, you’re set and ready to go when you bring them out in the spring. Speaking of cleaning your tools, we have a knife sharpener at our Farmer’s Market (every Thursday from 10 AM until 2 PM) who will sharpen knives, scissors, and garden tools while you wait.
Do You Have an Irrigation System? Here’s What to Do
Something else to consider—if you have an irrigation system in your yard, you may want to turn it off for the winter so your pipes don’t freeze, leading to what could be costly repairs. However, you may wish to speak with an expert if you have a pond.
When to Water
Finally, if we are in a dry spell in the fall, give your garden a good watering. Remember, a dormant plant is simply “slowing” down for the winter. It’s still growing roots underground. Watering occasionally over the winter can be a good thing—do not water if the weather is calling for a freeze—you don’t want to turn your garden into a skating rink! If you have any fall vegetables planted, keep them watered.
Take These Easy Steps, and You’re Set
These easy steps will help ensure your garden is ready for spring plantings!