Winter in the Garden – 2024 Edition

Greetings, Lakeway gardeners! Winter might seem like a quiet time for gardens, but in Lakeway, January and February are bustling with activity! While some plants rest under cozy blankets of mulch, cool-season veggies like lettuces, spinach, and radishes thrive in the gentle sunshine. Seedlings for spring favorites like tomatoes and peppers get a head start indoors, waiting patiently in sunny windowsills. Fruit trees slumber peacefully, dreaming of spring blossoms, but receive a gentle pruning to encourage healthy growth. And as the days stretch longer, gardeners clear away winter debris, their hearts full of hope for the vibrant garden to come.

Water Wisely

Remember, even though it’s winter, don’t neglect your watering routine. Give your plants a deep soak when the soil feels dry to the touch, and be extra gentle with tender seedlings during frosty mornings. With a bit of planning and effort, your winter garden in Lakeway can be a thriving haven of greenery throughout the chilly months.

Garden Tips, Local Events and More

Below we have many more helpful garden tips for your Winter to-do list. You can also visit the Lakeway Garden Club for even more garden tips and tricks. Our Events Calendar showcases many local or online classes and special events happening this winter. And as always, happy gardening!

LGC Member News

Save the date for our Spring Member Mixer on Thursday, March 7th! We will be talking about spring gardening, native plants and opportunities for volunteering in local garden projects. If you have a request for a future garden topic or a specific question, please let us know. All are welcome to join for free if they are not already a member. See you at 10:30am on March 7th at the Lake Travis Community Library!

We are looking for a few talented LGC members who have experience speaking to community groups about plants and other garden topics. If you have experience and are interested in becoming a certified Lakeway Garden Club speaker volunteer, please let us know.

Winter Garden Tips

Lucky for us, winter in Lakeway usually does not bring snowdrifts and frozen lakes, so it’s still a wonderful time for gardening! January and February offer a break from the scorching summer sun, allowing cool-season veggies like lettuce, spinach, and radishes to thrive. You can even sow seeds for spring favorites like tomatoes and peppers indoors, getting a head start on the growing season. Remember to always keep an eye on the weather though. Ice storms and hard freezes can sneak up so always be prepared for these extreme winter elements by bringing potted plants into the garage and using frost protection covers like Plankets to protect exposed plants.

While some perennials take a nap during the colder months, others like pansies and violas flaunt their vibrant blooms, adding a pop of color to your winter landscape. And don’t forget about the fruit trees! This is the perfect time to prune them and protect them from pests and diseases, ensuring a bountiful harvest come spring. So, grab your gardening gloves and embrace the magic of winter gardening!

January Gardening

Start your year by preparing your soil for spring. Amend existing beds with compost and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Sow cool-season seeds like lettuce, spinach, radishes, and turnips directly in the ground, and enjoy a fresh, homegrown harvest all winter long. Get all the details on January flowers and veggies to plant, seeds to sow and transplant. Also featured are tips on indoor seedlings, pruning trees, and how to use corn gluten to combat weeds. See all the info on our website here.

February Gardening

February brings the promise of warmer days, and you can start transplanting seedlings like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Don’t forget to pamper your citrus trees with a good pruning and keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. With a little care and attention, your Lakeway winter garden will be bursting with life come spring! Get all the details on important February garden tasks including trimming rose bushes on Valentines Day, cleaning up your garden, flowers and vegetables to plant, seeds to sow, and growing peas or onions. See all the info on our website here.