During the winter, some may assume there is nothing to be done in the garden. But this belief is far from true. There are plenty of things you can do to help your garden produce healthier, more delicious, and more beautiful plants.

1. Cover your garden beds with black plastic sheets, old newspapers, or NC Longleaf Pine. 
   1. Pine needles, old newspapers, and black plastic will keep weeds away during winter. Mitchell’s carries NC Longleaf Pine, which is excellent for long-lasting Winter garden coverage. 
2. Tend to your compost pile
   1. It’s crucial to turn over your compost pile a few times during winter to ensure that the material will break down in time for spring and summer planting.
3. Plan your spring garden 
   1. Planning your spring garden can be a fun and fascinating task for cold days inside. It’s always a good idea to plan out what you’d like to plant for a fruitful harvest. Plants to sow in North Carolina around mid-February include potatoes, sugar snaps, snow peas, and garden peas.
4. Grow seedlings
   1. Watching your seedlings grow big and strong to be planted in your garden is fun and rewarding! Every day, you can notice little changes as your seeds become mature! I love growing seedlings in my kitchen because they add a fresh scent and some lively decor!
5. Empty and clean pots 
   1. If you leave your pots outdoors or anywhere where they will get dusty or dirty, clean them out! This way, when you’re ready to use them you won’t have to endure the tedious task of cleaning; you can get right to planting!
6. Remove weeds
   1. Removing and discouraging weeds will help make your job during the spring, summer, and fall all the more enjoyable. If the method of covering your beds or longleaf pine fails to get rid of weeds, the old-fashioned way to get rid of them is to pull the weeds and till up the soil. 
7. Add fresh soil
   1. Adding fresh soil and mixing it with what you already have in your garden will refresh your growing area! New nutrients will help your plants grow big and strong. 
8. Dig up lingering root vegetables for a fresh start.
   1. Root Veggies are as stubborn as a bull! They’ll keep returning year after year, even if you don’t want them to. It’s best to till them up or pull them up, being sure not to leave any of those pesky roots behind. 
9. Cut back any old growth on perennials before new growth in the spring.
   1. This is a good time to cut down any perennials you may have. It’s important to clear away any old debris to make room for new growth. 
10. Till the land to discourage pests.
    1. Backyard critters may attempt to burrow into your garden beds during the winter and early spring to escape the cold. Try to disrupt the soil in your garden so that they don’t make a home in your garden! 

With these tips and tricks, your garden will be the talk of the town as winter melts into spring!

Happy Growin’!