We celebrated Thanksgiving and the Ohio vs. Michigan football game was played. That's usually all that needs to happen for people to put that gardening behind them and look ahead to the upcoming holidays. There is nothing wrong with that. As we close out the gardening season, I'd like to remind you of a few things you may not have thought about.
Out on the patio
There may be some things out in the yard or around the patio that could be damaged if we have periods of prolonged below freezing temperatures. Items such as plastic rain gauges may be overlooked. You will want to move these items to an area where they will stay a little warmer, such as a garage or shed.
Ceramic pots and terracotta pots could crack if they are still filled with soil because the soil will retain moisture, which could freeze and expand, permanently damaging the pots. If you have removed the soil, they can be left out. However, if you are like me and like to keep the soil, they need to go inside for the winter.
Let's talk about birds
You also need to be careful with certain types of birdbaths. You want to keep water accessible for the birds that stay here for the winter. Unfortunately, not all birdbaths can tolerate freezing. One solution here would be to invest in a heater for your bird bath. This will keep the water from freezing so it will be available all winter long.
This is also a good time to consider feeding the birds. Many species spend the winter here. In season they have plenty of food, feeding on our plants and eating bugs. During the winter, however, their food sources are very limited. Birds are fun to watch and adding a feeder to your yard can be a source of entertainment as you look out your windows.
If you are interested in a simple bird feeder or creating a backyard bird habitat, I would suggest shopping at a local bird supply store. Just like shopping at a local garden center, you'll be able to speak with an expert who is familiar with our Ohio birds. Wild Birds Unlimitedwith multiple locations, it's great. Wild About Birds in Milford is also a great place to go.
Prepare the power tools
This would also be a good time to arrange for the maintenance of your lawnmower and other electrical appliances. You can't do it too soon. Too many people wait until the season is ready to start early next spring. Then you have to wait and may not have your service completed until you use your lawnmower and other power tools.
If you have a snow blower, make sure it's ready for action if you need it. Looking at a road covered in snow is not a good time to find that it is not working.
For the composters out there
If you have a compost pile or have access to someone else's compost, now is a good time to add the compost to the soil in your flower and vegetable gardens. If you don't have access to any free compost, you can buy it from a garden store. A great product to use is Baccto The Cow. It is a combination of manure and natural compost.
If you're not ready to leave the garden yet, that's okay too. There are no rules about when to start and stop gardening in a season. As I always like to say, it's your garden, so it's your rules.
