Better Get Your Garden and Tools Ready for Winter!

Cold weather is coming this weekend. Here are five preparation tips for Oconee gardeners.

1. Begin planting spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Make sure the soil has adequate drainage and mix in organic matter such as topsoil, compost or peat moss.

2. Drain your automatic irrigation systems and then turn them off for the winter. Shut off the water lines to any outdoor faucets and wrap the faucets with insulation.

3. After draining any gas left in the tank, put lawn mowers and other power equipment in storage, sheltered from the cold weather and rain.

4. Fall is the best time of the year to plant trees and shrubs. Their root systems will continue to grow and develop during cold weather. The plants will become established, enabling them to tolerate next year's hot summer weather.

5. Begin dividing perennials such as daylilies, irises, hostas and purple coneflowers. The plants will have several weeks to become established prior to the onset of freezing temperatures.

Source: Cooperative Extension Service