Nest and Nature: Creating your haven in home and garden

Good soil is the foundation of any successful garden.

As the whisper of winter winds sweep across Tennessee and the landscape takes on a restful hue, many a gardener’s thoughts turn toward the cozy indoors. Yet, the dormant season does not mean horticultural efforts must freeze as well. There is a wealth of preparations and planting that can be done during the colder months to ensure a vibrant spring garden.

Firstly, let’s consider the garden’s foundation: soil. Winter is an optimum time to enhance soil quality. Adding organic matter, like compost or well-aged manure, can improve soil texture and fertility. It’s also an ideal period for soil testing, a service often offered by local extension offices, to tailor your amendments to your soil’s specific needs.

Cover crops, such as clover or winter rye, can be sown in empty beds to suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and add nutrients. These can then be turned into the soil in early spring before they set seed, contributing to a natural and nutrient-dense garden bed.

Pruning is another winter gardening duty. Many trees and shrubs benefit from pruning when they are dormant. It’s easier to see the structure of the plant without foliage, and the risk of transmitting diseases is lower. However, be aware of the pruning needs of specific plants; some may bloom on old wood and pruning them in winter could mean cutting off spring’s blossoms.

The brisk winter days are also perfect for planning. Thumbing through seed catalogues and visiting websites of reputable seed suppliers can pivot your spring garden to success. Remember, in the Tennessee climate, you’ll want to select varieties that can withstand the sudden temperature changes and humidity that spring can bring.

Winter is also the time for starting seeds indoors. With the last frost date in Tennessee typically falling around mid-April, begin sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. This will give you a jump-start on the growing season and let you nurture a wider variety of plants.

Let’s not forget winter planting. Certain bulbs and perennials can be planted even when the ground is cold. They’ll establish their roots and burst forth when the soil warms. Look for winter-hardy perennials and shrubs, or place bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and alliums in the ground before it freezes.

Lastly, this quieter time in the garden calendar is an opportunity for maintenance. Repair and clean tools, organize your shed, and design or refine your garden beds and outdoor living spaces with the fresh perspective that a new year brings.

As we blanket ourselves against the chill of winter, remember your garden is not entirely asleep. It’s merely gathering strength, poised for the spring’s canvas of blooms and vibrant growth.

Thank you for joining us in this edition of Nest and Nature. We hope you’ve found inspiration and practical tips to enrich your living spaces and gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey in home improvement, remember that your home is a canvas for your creativity and your garden, a sanctuary for tranquility. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the weeks to come, exploring new ideas and projects that will make your home and garden truly exceptional.

(Richardson Media Group)