Do you enjoy some relaxation and meditation as you work in your garden? What a beautiful feeling planting something, watching it come to life, and give your home a special touch.
Unfortunately, unless you live in a tropical climate, you might be dreading that the winter climate will make your home look abandoned. The beauty of plants is that they come in an array of species, and some even survive and bloom during those dreary days of winter.
The Best Time to Plant for Winter
Many people believe the Spring season is the best time to plant because trees start to grow their leaves back, and flowers begin to bloom. However, in many places, the Spring season comes with heatwaves, excessive rain, and even surprise snowstorms in some areas.
Fall is the best time of the year to start planting because you can count on:
- Great environmental conditions. During the Fall, there is rarely any excessive rain. There are cooler temperatures that allow the soil to retain moisture and promote the growth of roots.
Great working conditions. Those who garden know that too much heat is no good. Fall brings along ideal weather for working outside.
The Best Plants For Winter
You will have a hefty task ahead of you when choosing plants that will bloom and survive in the winter months because you have multiple options. These include:
- Annuals
- Perennials
- Shrubs
Annuals
Annual plants are those that complete their life cycles within one growing season. The life cycle for plants begins with germination and ends with the production of seeds before they die. Winter annuals will germinate during the Fall and can mature as early as late winter or early spring.
Some examples of annuals that can take the winter are:
- Pansies
- Violas
- Ornamental kale
Perennials
Perennials, which means through the years, are plants that live for more than two years. Unlike annual plants, they typically live from one year to the next through the process known as vegetative reproduction. They are composed of structures, like bulbs and tubers, that allow them to survive periods of dormancy over the Winter season.
Some examples of perennials that will be great for winter include:
- Snowdrops
- Hellebores
- Winter Aconite
- Glory of the Snow
Shrubs
Shrubs are considered perennials, but what differentiates them is that they produce wood as its structural tissue (hard stem). Many shrubs can add color to those white winters, for example:
- Winterberry
- Witch Hazel
- Red Twig Dogwood
- Camellia
Things to Keep in Mind When Planting For Winter
For a plant to bloom or survive during the Winter season, you have to plant before the ground starts to freeze. With sufficient time, plants can establish an effective root system that’s essential for survival.
When shopping for plants, you should check the tags for the USDA Hardiness Zone, which was developed to help agriculturers determine the minimum temperatures a plant can withstand. For example, in Oklahoma, plants will survive if they have a hardy zone of 7a.
Moyer Lawncare And Landscaping
Moyer Lawncare & Landscaping understands how special landscaping installations are to you and your home. We want to help you be proud of your gardening even during that Winter season. Contact us today for a free estimate.
