11 Backyard Projects to Prepare for the Upcoming Growing Season
Get hyped for off-season garden projects? Yeah, me too! Winter's got nothing on these spectacular gardening tasks you can crush during the slower time of the year. You'll be ready to drop some knowledge on that next growing season like a boss.
So, pop on some tunes, grab a cuppa, and check out 11 awesome garden projects you can knock out in the off-season. Some DIY! Roll call!
Why Get Your Digs On in the Winter?
Sure, springtime's cool and all, but there's way more to love about gardening in the off-season. Check it:
- You got plenty of time on your hands with fewer garden tasks.
- The weather's nice, and it's a side of nature you don't get to enjoy otherwise.
- You're not in a rush, so you can chill and enjoy the process.
- You'll save some cash with fewer gardening expenses in the fall, spreading the investment out over the year.
- It'll help combat the post-summer blahs by giving you something to look forward to! Boom. Convinced yet? Maybe you already know which projects you want to jump on, but if not, keep reading. These ideas will spark some inspiration!
Rev Up Your Engines for Next Year's Spring Garden
Raised Beds
Building raised beds may break the bank, but taking on the project piecemeal over the years makes it more manageable. Set aside some fall time to build and prepare new raised beds.
Pro tip: If you prepare the bed in the fall, you can add raw materials like weeds before they go to seed or uncomposted compost. These materials will break down over the winter, providing nutrients for your upcoming crops.
Vertical Gardening Trellis
Channel your inner DIY warrior and build a vertical trellis; you've got time! Trellises are perfect for pole beans, cucumbers, and more. Check out options like the A-frame trellis, arch trellis, and good old tomato cages.
Compost Bin
Planning a composting overhaul? Fall's the ideal time to make changes. Deck out your garden with some compost bin ideas and dig into how to build a compost sifter or even get started with vermicomposting!
Prepare Your In-Ground Garden Bed
Starting a new in-ground garden? Clear the ground in the fall, so you're ready for spring action. Lay down newspaper and wood chips to smother weeds and prepare the soil for next season.
Secure Natural Sources of Mulch
Mulch's a game-changer for your garden, helping with soil retention, weed control, and temperature regulation. Grab wood chips from your local lumber mill, use leaves from deciduous trees, or save fallen pine needles.
Cold Frames or Floating Row Covers
Get creative and extend your growing season with cold frames or floating row covers. They'll protect your plants from the cold and keep them alive during late-season snaps. Plus, you can use them again in the spring!
Grow Lights + Indoor Seed Starting Setup
Make a move on spring seedlings by setting up your indoor grow lights and seed-starting station. Bonus points if you can score a Black Friday/Prime Day deal on growing supplies.
Potting Bench
Keep your plants organized and ready to roll by building a potting bench for winter. Planting, transplanting, and gardening will be a breeze when you've got everything you need in one spot.
Chicken Coop
Gather the sawdust and nails, buddy; it's time to build that chicken coop! Chicks tend to sell in the early spring, and you'll want their digs ready for the big move.
Get Your Hands Dirty and Plant Some Seeds for Growth
With winter just around the corner and these garden projects under your belt, you'll have no problem making next growing season the best one yet. Get out there and crush it!
- The off-season is an ideal time for composting, as it provides the opportunity to revamp your composting methods and build a compost bin.
- Planning a lifestyle change for the next growing season? Consider setting up a raised bed garden, which can be built and prepared in the fall for nutrient-rich crops in the spring.
- For those seeking inspiration for DIY garden projects, constructing a vertical gardening trellis is a great way to utilize off-season time, providing support for pole beans, cucumbers, and more.
- Another off-season task is securing natural sources of mulch. Mulch offers various benefits for gardening, such as soil retention, weed control, and temperature regulation.
- To extend the growing season and protect plants during late-season snaps, consider investing in cold frames or floating row covers, which are reusable in both the winter and spring.
