Gardening Hacks for the Winter Season

December just arrived, bringing with it the yuletide season—one of the most exciting times of the year. There are holiday traditions we simply can’t get enough of such as keeping ourselves warm around the fireplace with friends and family we haven’t seen in a while and giving gifts to our loved ones. It’s also the time of year that many across the US are busy soaking up all the thrills that the colder winter temperatures have to offer such as snowboarding, creating snow angels and snowmen, sipping hot cocoa, and skating at the community ice rink to name a few.

There are many things to do during the winter season, but gardening is often overlooked as one of them. If you’re one of those people who like to do things differently, then you’ve come to the right place. Below are several tips and tricks you can try in your garden this winter season. Don’t forget to wear disposable gloves when trying these suggestions.

Spot for Problems Early On

Winter is a good time to structure young deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, and beeches via pruning. The word deciduous means to “fall off,” and trees such as these tend to shed their leaves at the start of the fall season. By the time winter comes, these trees are without leaves, making the overall form of the tree readily visible. Thus, common tree problems such as crossing branches, cracks, and fissures, as well as decay can be picked up early. Tip: be sure to protect your hands with 8-mil nitrile disposable gloves when picking up leaves or pruning. Our Gloveworks line features nitrile disposable gloves with raised diamond texture that allow you to have a better grip when using shears and loppers—even when wet.

Soak Parched Soil in Water

Dry soil for an extended period can become hydrophobic, even after a heavy rainfall or snow. This problem often occurs in sandy soils, dried-out potting mixes, and soils containing undecomposed organic matter. The latter, in particular, causes a buildup of a waxy residue that combines with the soil, resulting in a mixture that’s water-repellent instead of absorbent. Rectifying this problem around the wintertime is perfect since melted snow helps in keeping the soil moist and supple. A good soil wetting agent mixed with seaweed-based additives can help treat hydrophobic soil. Just make sure you wear nitrile disposable gloves that offer superior chemical resistance to ensure safety. Aside from chemical treatments, water pooling from natural sources is also recommended. Maximize this by removing heavy layers of fallen leaves that may hinder water from getting into the soil. As a bonus, use the excess leaves to make a nutrient-rich compost that your plants will thank you for.

Make Composting a Habit

Aside from leaves, you can compost the leftovers found in your fridge that are a little past their prime, which in part help reduce food waste. Instead of sending fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds to the dump, why not learn proper composting methods to keep your plants healthy while also reducing your carbon footprint? The carbon released during composting is biogenic, not anthropogenic, so it isn’t considered in greenhouse gas calculations. Studies show that composting organic waste versus landfilling can reduce more than 50% of our greenhouse gas emissions—wow! With adequate aeration and moisture, and a good pair of disposable gloves, one can master the art of composting in no time!

Protect Your Plants from Road Salt

If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, it’s important to properly protect your landscaping from the harsh effects of road salt. Road salt, a brine solution of rock salt and tap water, prevents ice formation. And while that benefits us humans and road safety, it’s unfortunate news for most plant life and the surrounding soil since road salt tends to wreak havoc on them. In areas of heavy salt use, the rise of soil salinity causes irreparable damage to tender plant roots and foliage that can’t withstand exposure to road salt on a regular basis. Protect roadside plantings from sprayed brine by shielding them with a landscape fabric made upright using a fence of wooden stakes. Be sure to equip yourself with a pair of heavy-duty disposable gloves—they might come in handy in keeping your hands safe from accidental cuts and frostbite. For a long-term solution, pushing for the authorities to make use of salt-free ice melters such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride could help make the process of melting ice more sustainable and eco-friendlier.

Zoomget has the disposable gloves you need to ensure proper hand protection when gardening, both in the cold and warmer climates! Shop our line of home and garden gloves today.