Installing in Seattle Winter
We’ve had such a mild winter this year (2011-2012) in Seattle, so its tempting to get out in the garden and start planting and installing hardscape. Is it a good idea? It all depends on if there are freezing temperatures or snow in the forecast, so at best you can play it by ear. Here are some things to consider and steps to take:
- Check your soil’s moisture level- dig down a bit, grab a handful, squeeze it in a ball- if it stays together when you toss it in the air, its probably too saturated to start planting etc in it. If it falls apart easily, then it’s ready for planting and hardscaping.
- If you’ve had success with the above, then its also likely that your ground is not frozen, but if you hit frozen ground past a foot or so deep, then its smart to wait till that thaws.
- Don’t transplant grasses, fushias or subshrubs like rosemary, lavender & hebes- they like to stay put during this time.
- If you do start hardscaping (which can include digging, leveling and compacting), make sure you’re not walking and compacting over future bed space.
- If you start to plant, you will want to protect the soil with a mulch on top to keep the temperature more steady. Dried leaves, bark, wood chips etc. will work. Delicate plants may need extra protection, ie with a sheet covering them. You may also want to harden off plants before you set them outside full time. Put them outside during the day for a week, and bring them into a garage or shed at night (but not in a heated space).
- Now is great time to start sheet mulching for your future beds. More on sheet mulching to come….
With these tips in mind, and your pulse on the forecast, why not start your garden project now? At the very least, you can start the hardscape, do some soil preparation like sheet mulching, and wait to plant around late February or March. Email me if you have any questions!
-Erin
