As the new year dawns, it's the perfect time to take a fresh look at your North Texas garden and make some strategic changes. What this really means is getting proactive about preparing your plants for the unpredictable weather ahead and making smart choices that will set you up for a bountiful, low-maintenance growing season. We tapped the experts at the Dallas Arboretum and Calloway's Nursery to uncover the must-do gardening tasks for the new year in our region.
Prioritize Cold-Hardy Plants
One of the biggest challenges for North Texas gardeners is dealing with dramatic temperature swings, from balmy spring-like days to sudden, bone-chilling freezes. The key is to fill your garden with plants that can withstand those drastic conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist Tim Hartmann recommends sticking to hardy, zone 7 and 8 plants that are adapted to our regional climate. "Avoid anything labeled as zone 9 or 10, as those subtropical species just won't make it through our winters," he explains.
Prep Existing Plants for Cold Snaps
Even with cold-hardy selections, you'll still need to take steps to protect your garden when a freeze is on the way. Megan Proska of the Dallas Arboretum says the most important prep work is to water plants deeply before temperatures drop. "Hydrated plants are much more cold-tolerant than dry ones," she notes. Proska also recommends covering tender annuals and perennials with a frost cloth or burlap to insulate them from the cold.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
One of the simplest and most effective ways to winterize your garden is by applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants. "Mulch helps moderate soil temperatures, keeping plant roots from freezing," explains Jennifer Hatalski of Calloway's Nursery. She recommends using an organic mulch like shredded leaves, pine bark or wood chips. "Just be sure to keep it a few inches away from the plant stems to prevent rot."
By taking these proactive steps, North Texas gardeners can greet the new year with confidence, knowing their outdoor oasis is primed and ready to thrive through whatever Mother Nature has in store. As Hatalski puts it, "A little preparation now will pay off big time when you start seeing those first spring blooms."