Even though nothing is growing, the winter is a good time to keep your garden in shape. Check out the following winter garden tips to make sure your garden is ready to grow in the spring.

•    Clean up your garden before the snow comes.  Pull up any dead plants that are left and put them in your compost pile.  That way they can become fertilizer for your spring garden.  Also, be sure your garden is free of weeds and debris.

•    Clean and store your garden tools.  It is easiest to clean your garden tools before you store them. That way you’ll avoid that arduous task in the spring.  When winter is over, you will be excited to get started on your garden and won’t want to have to clean your tools first. 

•    When the snow does come, try not to shovel salted snow onto your garden.  It can damage your soil.

•    If you need to order any seeds, be sure to do it by January.  That way you’re sure to have them in time for your spring garden.

•    Think about your past year with your garden.  What worked and what didn’t work?  Did certain crops or flowers go to waste while there were others which you never could get enough?  The winter is a good time to plan your garden for the next year.  Make a list of which crops and flowers you want for each season.  Sketch the layout of your garden for the spring.  You get to start fresh when winter is over so you have no limits in planning your garden.

•    Build a bench where you can sit and take a break while tending your garden.  You can complete projects such as this in your garage or shop and have them ready to bring outside when winter is over.

Obviously, your garden is not as much hard work in the winter.  But, by maintaining and planning, you can prepare your garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor come spring.