Rockies Gardening In December - Everything You Need To Know

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Winter gardening can be challenging, but also immensely rewarding. With a little bit of care and the right techniques, you can maintain a beautiful garden even during the season of snow. In this article, we will share with you some tips and tricks for maintaining a garden in the Rockies during the month of December.

Preparing The Soil

Preparing the soil for winter is crucial to the health and growth of your garden. You need to aerate and fertilize the soil adequately before the ground freezes. This will help the roots retain moisture and stay healthy throughout the season.

Winter Mulching

Mulching helps regulate the temperature of the soil and keeps it from freezing too deeply. It also helps retain moisture in the soil which is beneficial for the plants.

Watering Techniques

Watering your plants in winter can be tricky because the water can freeze in pipes and hoses. However, it's essential to keep your plants hydrated. To avoid freezing water, use a watering can instead of a hose.

Winter Garden Plants for Rockies

Choosing the right plants for your winter garden is key to successful gardening in December. Here are some plants that grow well in the Rockies:

Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs such as Juniper, Pine, Cedar, and Spruce can add a touch of green to your winter garden. These plants are not only beautiful, but they also offer privacy and block cold winds.

Winter Berries

Winter Berries such as Holly, Cotoneaster, and Firethorn provide bright decorative elements in the middle of winter.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses such as Feather Reed Grass, Blue Fescue, and Fountain Grass look stunning during winters and can provide some height variety to your garden.

Cold Weather Gardening Techniques

Covering Plants With Plastic or Fabric

Covering plants with plastic provides a protective layer that helps retain heat and moisture in plants. However, it's crucial to ensure that the plastic never touches the plants because it can damage them.

Utilizing Cold Frames

Cold frames are structures made of glass or plastic that can be constructed to protect your garden plants from the cold. They allow sunlight to penetrate and offer warmth to help the plants grow.

Using shredded leaves to insulate soil

Using shredded leaves to cover the soil in your garden is an excellent way to help keep the soil warm and create a layer of insulation for your plants.

Maintaining Garden During Snowfall

Clearing Paths, Sidewalks, and Driveways Regularly

When it snows, it's essential to clear your driveways, walkways, and paths regularly. This will not only make it easy for you to access your garden but also avoid plants from getting buried under the snow.

Removing Snow Gently From The Trees

Heavy snow loads can cause damage to tree branches. If snow piles up on branches, it can break them or cause them to bend too much. Gently remove snow from the branches with a soft broom or by shaking gently.

Keeping An Eye On Plants After Snow Melts

After snow melts away, check your plants for signs of damage such as broken branches or frost damage. Prune off any damaged parts or dead growth to prevent further harm.

Gardening in Rockies during December can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience with the right techniques and plants. It is essential to prepare the soil, choose winter-resistant plants, and embrace the use of cold weather gardening techniques to maintain your garden even in chilly weather. With these tips, go ahead and enjoy your beautiful winter garden!

FAQ

Q1. What are some popular evergreen shrubs that can be planted in the Rockies during winter?

There are several popular evergreen shrubs such as Juniper, Pine, Cedar, and Spruce that grow well in Rocky Mountains during winters.

Q2. Which winter berries look best in a garden?

Winter Berries such as Holly, Cotoneaster, and Firethorn provide bright decorative elements to a winter garden.

Q3. Does mulching help retain moisture in plants during winters?

Yes, Mulching helps to regulate the temperature of the soil and retains moisture, which is beneficial for the plants.

Q4. Can all winter plants survive Rocky Mountain snowfall?

Not all winter plants can survive Rocky Mountain snowfall. It's essential to choose the right plants depending on the severity of the weather in your area.

Q5. How do I avoid damage to my plants from strong winds during the winter season?

Creating windbreaks with evergreen shrubs such as Juniper, Pine, Cedar, and Spruce help protect your plants from strong winds during the winter season.

Q6. Is it necessary to water plants during winters?

Yes, plants need water even during winters. However, watering should be done cautiously, and a watering can be used instead of a hose that can freeze with cold water.

Q7. Which cold frames work best for growing vegetables in the winter season?

Glass or plastic-based cold frames work best for growing vegetables in the winter season.

Q8. Can plastic covering damage plants when used during long winter spells?

Plastic covering can damage plants if it comes into contact with them for an extended period. Hence, it's crucial to ensure that the plastic never touches the plants when used for covering.

Q9. Are ornamental grasses durable enough for rocky mountain climates?

Yes, Ornamental grasses such as Feather Reed Grass, Blue Fescue, and Fountain Grass are durable enough for rocky mountain climates.

Q10. How do I know when it is safe to start pruning my winter plants?

Pruning should be conducted after the danger of cold damage has passed. Typically, it is safe to prune your winter plants in early spring at the end of the winter season.