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The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia

2/14/2026

Southside Gardener

This month's To Do List for the Gardener

 Contributed By William H. McCaleb

 Master Gardener Coordinator
 Virginia Cooperative Extension

"No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth"
~Thomas Jefferson

Winter Garden Chores and To-do list

   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 anymore snow comes. Pull up any dead plants that are left and put them in your compost pile. 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.

Did you know...? Word Count  � Pythagorean Theorem: 24 words  � The Lord's Prayer: 66 words  � Archimedes' Principle: 67 words  � The 10 Commandments: 179 words  � The Gettysburg Address: 286 words  � The Declaration of Independence: 1,300 words  � The US Government regulations on the sale of cabbage: 26,911 words  ...everything is relative - especially value...

 � When the snow does come, try not to shovel salted snow onto your garden or turf. Many plants are salt intolerant and can be can be damaged by the salty solution in that snow.

 � If you need to order any seeds, be sure to do it by January so you have seed for timely germination.

 � Think about your past year with your garden. What worked and what didn�t work? 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. Just be sure to rotate your crops in the garden.

 � While it is cold and bitter outside, build a bench where you can sit and take a break while tending your garden this summer. You can complete projects such as this in your garage or shop and have them ready to bring outside when winter is over.

“Exercise for free – Grow A Garden This Year”

   If you have questions about your landscape plants, you can also call the Extension Office and ask to speak to a Master Gardener or the Horticulture Technician.

_____________________

William H. McCaleb
Program Assistant, ANR
Master Gardener Coordinator
Virginia Cooperative Extension
171 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 757
Halifax, VA 24558-0757
434-476-2147
fax: 434-476-7777
http://www.ext.vt.edu