Calhoun County, AL – December in Calhoun County, AL, can bring temperatures dipping into the teens, yet winter is far from a dormant season for gardeners. While the pre-spring months often include many days above freezing, those milder winter stretches provide the perfect opportunity to prepare for the growing season ahead.
Winter is an ideal time to clean out and organize sheds, outbuildings, greenhouses, and garages. Tasks that feel overwhelming during hot, humid summer days are far more manageable in cooler weather. Garden tools, plastic pots, rolls of weed barrier, fencing, stakes, jute and string, tomato cages, and other supplies benefit from being sorted and stored properly.
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Items hastily stacked away at the end of summer—such as lawn chairs, pool toys, and seasonal décor—should be relocated to appropriate storage spaces. Bags of soil, mulch, and bales of pine straw also need attention, ensuring they are protected and accessible when spring arrives. Pump-up sprayers should be drained completely and left upside down to dry, preventing damage during cold snaps.
Starting spring with an organized gardening space can significantly reduce stress. Winter clean-outs often reveal forgotten supplies, such as seed packets tucked away in envelopes that should be stored indoors. The winter landscape itself may also call for attention, including adding mulch around perennial shrubs and trees to protect roots from fluctuating temperatures.
Many sheds have untapped vertical space. Installing wall units or shelving can greatly increase storage capacity and keep frequently used items within easy reach. Once winter organization is complete, the next step is just as important: making a list of what’s missing. Taking inventory allows gardeners to shop more economically and avoid purchasing duplicates before spring planting begins.
Finally, weekly winter walk-abouts through the landscape offer valuable perspective. These quiet seasonal tours allow gardeners to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what changes might enhance the garden in the coming year. Winter may be cold, but for gardeners, it’s one of the most productive seasons of all.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
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