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You may have experienced your first frost or even snowfall, but until the ground is frozen, there is still a lot of yard work you can do.
Cut back dead annual leaves, but leave the seed heads for the birds. The seed heads act as a source of food for birds during the winter months, a time of the year when food resources as sparce. Seeds are exceptionally important for migratory birds needing high-energy food on their journey.
Rack leaves off the lawn, but use them as mulch in your garden beds. Using leaves as mulch assists with water retention, weed suppression, soil improvement, and act as a habitat for beneficial organisms. As an added bonus, leaves are free and sustainable.
Divide and replant perennials and water them once before the ground freezes. Moist soil prevents roots from drying out during early winter and moist soil holds heat much better than dry soil. This gives plants extra protection against sudden temperature drops or early-season freeze–thaw cycles.
You can still plant bulbs, trees, and shrubs until the soil hardens. Depending on the region of Canada in which you live, it might be a necessity to also insulate your trees or shrubs to protect them against harsh winter conditions.
Clean your tools before storage. This is a general good gardening habit as the tools will be ready for you when you get back out into your garden in the spring.
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Photo Credit: ID 131097973 © Vladimira Pufflerova | Dreamstime.com
