Also take time to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Knock heavy snow off shrubs and tree branches using a broom (start low and work up)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check mulch around perennials, roses, and bulbs, replacing any that has blown away<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pile chemical-free snow around plants when shoveling for added moisture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caring for Lawns During Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shady lawn areas\u2014especially on the north side of structures\u2014can develop snow mold<\/strong> as snow and ice melt. If you notice matted or discolored patches, gently rake the grass to improve air circulation and help it dry out.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/snow-mold-on-grass.png\")
Snow Mold in Lawn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you see narrow \u201ctrails\u201d in your lawn, voles may be active. These rodents can damage turf and chew bark on trees and shrubs, especially junipers. Early awareness helps prevent more serious damage later in the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Late Winter Pruning & Tool Prep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Late winter is an ideal time for pruning many plants because their structure is easy to see without foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now is the right time to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Prune summer- and fall-blooming shrubs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shape deciduous trees and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cut ornamental grasses back before new growth begins<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prune grape vines<\/strong> in February<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Begin pruning fruit trees<\/strong> from February into early March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Before the busy season arrives, winter is also perfect for cleaning and sharpening garden tools. Remove dirt and rust, apply light oil to metal surfaces, or bring tools to Echter\u2019s for professional sharpening- from pruners to mower blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about pruning and early spring preparation in our March classes (linked below).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Early-Spring-Punch-List-250-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nEarly Spring Punch list<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
March 7th, 2026 3:00-4:00pm<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pruning-trees-and-shrubs-250-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPruning trees and Shrubs<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
March 8th, 2026 2:00-3:00pm<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nview all march 2026 classes here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDormant Oil: A Smart Preventative Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If trees, shrubs, roses, or vines had insect or disease issues last year, applying dormant oil on a mild winter day can help prevent problems this season. Dormant oil works by smothering overwintering insect eggs before spring growth begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend Bonide All-Seasons Dormant Oil<\/strong>.
Tip: Avoid spraying blue spruce, as needles may discolor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPlanning Vegetable & Flower Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While winter limits outdoor planting, it\u2019s a great time to plan. January and February are ideal months to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Purchase flower and vegetable seeds for the best selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take inventory of seed-starting supplies like pots, flats, and soil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sterilize reused containers or replace worn supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add a propagation heat mat for quicker, more uniform germination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Testing your soil now helps you understand pH and nutrient needs before planting. Amendments can be worked into the soil early so beds are ready when spring arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asparagus beds benefit from added manure, and winter planning is also a great time to try something new alongside family favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about vegetable gardening and starting plants from seed in our March classes (linked below).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vegetable-Gardening-101-250-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nVegetable Gardening 101<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
March 8th, 2026 11:00am-12:00pm<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Starting-Plants-from-Seed-250-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nStarting Plants from Seed<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
March 14th, 2026 10:00-11:00am<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nview all march 2026 classes here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIndoor Plants: Winter Care & Enjoyment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Houseplants bring life indoors during winter, but they also need the right conditions to thrive. If a plant struggles, check five key factors: light, temperature, nutrients, moisture, and humidity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winter favorites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cyclamen<\/strong>, which prefer cool, bright locations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Holiday cacti<\/strong>, which bloom best in bright light and cooler temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Citrus trees<\/strong>, which thrive in sunny windows and reward patience with fragrant blooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Herbs<\/strong>, grown from seed or plants, for fresh winter cooking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If fungus gnats appear, allow soil to dry at least one inch between waterings. Sticky traps catch adults, and biological controls like Mosquito Bits help manage larvae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helping Birds Through Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Winter is a demanding season for birds, and feeding them makes a real difference. Offer a mix of seeds such as sunflower, safflower, and nyjer, and don\u2019t forget suet for insect-eating birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Birds also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Unfrozen water<\/strong> for drinking and bathing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shelter<\/strong>, such as dense shrubs, evergreens, and birdhouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Squirrel-resistant feeders <\/strong>when needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/echters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2568080377-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Little Effort Now Goes a Long Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Late winter gardening isn\u2019t about doing everything- it\u2019s about doing the right<\/em> things at the right<\/em> time. Small tasks now help prevent problems, save time, and create a smoother transition into spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you ever have questions, Echter\u2019s Plant Doctors are available!<\/strong> Bring in samples when possible for the most accurate diagnosis-we\u2019re always happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spring will be here before we know it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check Out Our Other Winter Blogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n - Shelter<\/strong>, such as dense shrubs, evergreens, and birdhouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Holiday cacti<\/strong>, which bloom best in bright light and cooler temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cyclamen<\/strong>, which prefer cool, bright locations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prune summer- and fall-blooming shrubs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n