Winter Garden Reflections
Contributed by Jolene Ottosen for the Chaparral Green Thumbs
Winter is an excellent time to reflect on your yard and garden, assess what is working and what isn’t, and decide if changes are needed.
Sunlight and Zone
The first consideration is the amount of sunlight a plant receives in its current location and its zone hardiness. Calgary is in Zone 4a, which means most plants rated for Zones 2 and 3 will thrive here, and many rated for Zone 4 will as well. Keep in mind that the zone information provided with plants only indicates the zones where they have been tested. For instance, a plant capable of growing well in Zone 3 but tested only in Zone 4 will be labelled as Zone 4.
Although winter days are shorter, you can still observe your garden throughout the day to track how much sunlight different areas receive. Remember, summer days are longer, and the sun is higher in the sky. Regular observations throughout the year can provide valuable insights. Also, consider existing plants both in your yard and neighbouring yards. Trees from adjacent properties will have leaves in the summer, potentially altering sunlight conditions. If a plant needs full sun, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight throughout the growing season, not just during the peak of summer. Part-sun plants need three to six hours of sunlight daily.
If sunlight seems to be the issue, you might move the plant to a sunnier location. Alternatively, if moving it isn’t feasible, you can manipulate the environment by trimming nearby vegetation or rearranging other plants to allow more sunlight.
For spaces that are too sunny or hot, consider planting something to provide shade, such as a perennial shrub, larger annuals, or even adding decorative structures like trellises or fencing. These solutions can also protect plants from wind. For areas that are too cold, increasing sunlight exposure by trimming nearby plants can help. Placing rocks or bricks around the area can also create warmth, as these materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Additionally, using darker mulch or painting nearby walls or fences can attract heat. Covering plants with row covers or clear plastic in spring and adding extra mulch in winter are other effective measures.
Another method to insulate plants is to use water as a heat source. Consider filling one- or two-litre bottles with water, burying them horizontally near the plant’s base. These can absorb heat during the day and release it at night. While I haven’t personally tried this, planters with water-filled bases use the same principle, suggesting it could be effective. Just remember where you bury the bottles to avoid surprises when digging later!
Soil Type and Moisture
As you consider light conditions, also think about soil and moisture. Was the soil in your garden brought in, or is it what was left after construction? Poor soil can often be improved with compost, peat moss, worm castings, or other organic matter. Some plants need nutrient-rich soil, while others thrive in less fertile conditions. Winter is a great time to plan soil amendments.
Moisture levels are equally important. Is the garden bed in a low spot where water pools, or is it elevated and dry? Are you willing to adjust the elevation? How much effort are you prepared to invest in watering? Personally, I prefer to minimize water usage for environmental and economic reasons. Rain barrels help, but they require hand-watering, which isn’t always practical for me. For high-water-need annuals like tomatoes or basil, I’ve found wicking pots to be a game-changer. These pots have large water reservoirs under the soil. If you’re interested, winter is a good time to explore DIY wicking pot designs and gather materials.
Appropriateness
Finally, consider whether you’re willing to meet the plant’s needs. If something isn’t thriving in my garden, it’s often due to neglect. I’m an inconsistent gardener and do best with hardy, low-maintenance plants. Be realistic about your gardening habits and commitment. If a plant isn’t working for you, perhaps it’s better suited to someone else’s garden where you can visit it instead!
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