*****<\/p>\n
If you are a keen gardener there are probably a few times of year that you really love and those that you would rather were over faster. During the winter, temperatures go south and our plants are forced to either retreat into the soil again or drop their leaves. Ok you may have a few ever-greens, but right now your main priority should be in ensuring that come spring your garden is still alive and ready to spring back into life.<\/p>\n
In this post I am going to cover a few ways that you can ensure your garden survives the cold and is ready to thrive when the sun returns early next year. The good news is that there is plenty that you can do to help even the most delicate plants:<\/p>\n Keeping Them Warm<\/b><\/p>\n Just as you need to wrap up warm during the cold months, so does your garden. A frost cover is the ideal option, but in a pinch an old bed sheet can do the trick or even a quilt for when the temperature goes really low.<\/p>\n Warning: Move your potted plants indoors if you can or into the shed or garage. But those that cannot be moved can be protected by wrapping the pots with bubble wrap. Obviously consider whether there will be sufficient sun light and consider each plant separately \u2013 some plants are hardier than others.<\/p>\n Using Cover Crops<\/b><\/p>\n You will also want to keep your soil healthy and full of nutrients ready to plant in spring. Using Rye and Hairy Vetch together is a great way to cover unplanted soil.<\/p>\n![\"800px-Witch_Hazel_Covered_With_Snow_In_Garden._Hampshire_UK\"](\"http:\/\/www.theguidetogaygardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/800px-Witch_Hazel_Covered_With_Snow_In_Garden._Hampshire_UK.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/i><\/b>Be careful not to make your plants too hot
\nPlastic sheeting plus a little winter sun can also harm them<\/p>\n
![\"800px-Hairy_Vetch\"](\"http:\/\/www.theguidetogaygardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/800px-Hairy_Vetch.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"763px-New_Bird_Feeder_(3640709361)\"](\"http:\/\/www.theguidetogaygardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/763px-New_Bird_Feeder_3640709361.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n