Here's a quick look at how we prepped our raised beds for winter! 🥶

We didn't grow many fall crops this year (honestly, we usually don't), so I still had a lot of summer crops that needed to be removed. 🍅

You can cut them at the roots and leave what's in the soil to break down, or you can remove everything. It's really up to you. We had some pest issues towards the end of the year so we opted to rip everything out. 🥀

We also waited until after we had a few hard frosts to do this process, in hopes that it might kill of any leftover pests (or eggs etc.) that might have been in the soil. 🤢

We had enough warm-ish days afterwards that allowed the soil to soften again, and we were able to mix the bagged compost into the soil. If it was still frozen, we would have just dumped it on top. 👍🏼

I know people are going to ask why we're using bagged compost (and not sure compost). The answer is simply that we're not set up for composting at home since we live in the suburbs and don't have a lot of space. Also, finding pure bagged compost here is extremely difficult! 🙈

Last year we used the sea compost mix from Golfgreen, and this year we used the bagged mix from Miracle Grow. I don't have a preference between the two. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Sea compost mixes add calcium and organic matter to your soil, and can help improve water retention.

When I find a different option, I'll switch it up and see how things work out. 😁

Do you top up your soil or add compost before winter?

Let me know in the comments!

#gardeningincanada #growinginontario #suburbangardening