Author Archives: Martin John Company

Landscaping Concepts: Our Very Best Backyard Fire Pit Ideas for Chicagoland Homes

If you are looking for a reason to spend more time outside, giving your backyard a makeover could be the perfect incentive. Most American backyards are underused, but a bit of landscaping is often enough to lure people outside for their rest and relaxation.

One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space is by adding a fire pit. We will give you a few key backyard fire pit ideas for Chicagoland homeowners. With the right fire pit design, you can create the ultimate outdoor space for friends and family in your backyard.

If you are not sure where to begin, here is some inspiration with our fantastic landscaping tips.

Simple Brick

When you start talking about fire pit design, getting carried away is easy. If you just want something simple and clean, build a round brick fire pit with brick that matches your home.

These types of fire pits look good anywhere in the backyard, but allow you to keep a cohesive appearance with your home and backyard landscaping. The best part about a sturdy brick fire pit is the price tag. They are easy to build and the materials will not break your budget.

Fire Pit Pathway

If you have a spacious backyard, take advantage of the space by creating a separate fire pit area away from your home or patio. This can provide extra privacy or a cozier place to relax in. Add extra landscaping appeal by creating a pathway leading to it. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of materials that appeal to you – step stones, landscaping lights, arbors, etc. – to create your pathway.

Modern Patio Pit

People have been gathering around the hearth since we discovered how to use fire. It can be a temptation to take the rustic approach to the fire pit because of this, but it is unnecessary. If you’ve got a beautiful modern home, you’ll probably want a modern fire pit to go with it.

There are all sorts of handsome fire pits and tables to choose from that contribute to a modern backyard aesthetic. A lot of these are connected to your gas line or a propane tank, so you don’t have to worry about buying wood and starting fires. You will have them on demand when guests come around.

Fire Pit Landscaping

When you have an amazing landscaper at your disposal, you should take every opportunity to use their expertise. You can do a lot of landscaping around a fire pit to give the space the feel of a gorgeously designed room outdoors.

You can use a mixture of materials to achieve an amazing effect. Using paving stones and gravel around your fire pit can give it a casual yet nicely textured look. Around that, you can create a small stone wall that doubles as a planter for a combination of perennials and annuals.

Keeping It Rustic

As we mentioned above, there is something about a fire pit that makes you want to go for the rustic look. You can take numerous routes with rustic fire pit design, but what’s better than a simple circle of stones on top of a circle of gravel?

All you really need is enough room to put some Adirondack chairs around the pit and you’re done. It is a laid-back feel for those wonderful Chicago land summer nights with friends and family all around.

Family Hearth

Having a fire pit in your backyard is the perfect excuse to hold more family gatherings this coming summer. When you are inviting the whole family over, however, you better make sure you have enough space around the fire. You will also need a fire pit big enough to keep everyone warm.

For these types of fire pits, it is always good to keep them close to the house, right on the patio. This makes it easy for people to go in and out of the house as needed and you will be closer to the barbecue. All you really need to do is create an extension off the patio and install a fire pit big enough for everyone to gather around.

Build Into the Wall

If you have stone-walled planters in your backyard, you can integrate the fire pit right into one of them. This gives the fire pit the look of a traditional fireplace and allows you to enjoy your garden as well as a nice hot fire.

Building the fire pit into a wall also gives it a natural wind barrier. It is a great choice for smaller yards to maximize your space.

A Natural Look

Some homeowners really want their backyard spaces to feel like a part of nature with lots of flowers, trees, and garden planters. You can simultaneously seclude your fire pit and implement native plants by surrounding the fire pit with trees and shrubbery.

You will get the privacy that the plants create, but you’ll also get that sense of calm that comes from being around plants.

Sunken Fire Pit

Most people decide to build up out of the ground with their fire pits, but you can dig down just as easily. If you do not want your fire pit on show all of the time, this is a great option.

By using similar landscaping features all around the fire pit, you can almost hide it from view. Enhance it further by building a matching cover for it so you can unveil the fire pit when guests come over.

Getting Inspiration from Backyard Fire Pit Ideas

These are just a few backyard fire pit ideas that we have implemented to great effect. You can use them as inspiration to create something completely unique and all your own.

Backyard landscaping can be overwhelming for most Chicagoland homeowners, whether you are talking about planting foliage or installing fire pits. Having an expert landscaper help you take your ideas and bring them to fruition is a real game changer.

At Martin John Company, we have been providing northern Chicagoland homeowners with landscaping services since 2001. From Evanston to Lake Forest to Libertyville to Barrington, we can help you with all of your landscaping needs. To start talking about your new fire pit designs with one of our helpful designers, contact us today.

What Is Hardscaping?

The average US home has about 0.5 acres of yard space that need to be taken care of. When you have a large yard, it is tempting to just focus on maintaining the grass, but there are plenty of other ways to make your space appealing.

Hardscaping will turn your yard into an outdoor living space that is beautiful and functional. Your lawn will always be the perfect environment, whether you are hosting barbeques or relaxing with your family.

But what is hardscaping, and how can it make your home the envy of the neighborhood? Read on to find out.

What Is Hardscaping?

The question, “What is hardscaping?” can be answered in a variety of ways. The most basic definition is that it is the use of hard landscaping materials within your yard design. It can refer to any man-made structure in a landscaping project, such as a patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, walkways, stone walls, etc.

Landscaping vs Hardscaping

Hardscaping uses materials like concrete, stone, and wood to improve the visual appearance of an area. Landscaping, on the other hand, involves plants and other soft materials that add value to a space.

Benefits of Hardscaping

Hardscaping can complement your existing landscape, or it can completely replace softscape elements like ferns and bushes. The goal is to add stability to a yard design by providing structure and definition for other features—like decorative lighting or outdoor furniture sets.

But the benefits of hardscaping services go beyond visual appeal. Here are some of the reasons why it is one of the best ways to update your home.

Outdoor Entertainment Areas

A brick or stone patio is a great choice for adding space outside your house where you can spend time with friends and family. Take your patio to another level by adding an outdoor kitchen. You might even consider building a fire pit to have s’mores in the summer or roast marshmallows during winter evenings.

Privacy

Privacy is essential to many homeowners and homebuyers. Stone, brick, and wooden walls can offer the seclusion that many people desire. You can also use these materials to hide intimate areas, like a backyard hot tub.

Increase Property Value

A professional hardscape design will add beauty and elegance to any outdoor space. Having a charming backyard can dramatically increase your curb appeal. When it is time to sell your home, the beauty of your hardscape will attract buyers and you’ll close a deal faster than you could imagine.

You also do not have to worry about selling your home right away. Enjoy the beauty of your hardscape designs for as long as you want. The durable materials will maintain their value and appeal over time, so you will not have to rush to move.

Direct Traffic

Patios, walkways, and retaining walls create a clear path for people to follow around your lawn. It makes it easy for guests to find their way from one part of your yard to another without damaging your plants or tripping over your furniture.

Types of Hardscapes

The type of hardscape you choose for your yard depends on the style you want your home’s exterior to reflect. A patio can be built using concrete to symbolize the strength of your family ties. If you are looking for something more artsy, gravel and brick can create a walkway that’s as unique as your personality.

Here are some popular types of hardscapes to use as inspiration for your yard.

Gravel Paths

Gravel lends an organic look to even the most cultivated landscapes. Choose gravel for your flower beds or walkways to add some texture to your yard.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are large structures that support plant life or act as the back of a patio area. They are also useful for keeping soil from washing away during heavy rains.

Fountains

Fountains are a great way to bring the tranquility of water into your yard. You will also enjoy the eye-catching butterflies and birds that will flock to your property for a drink of water.

Not all hardscaping companies offer fountains as part of their services, but those that do will usually construct them with stone because it’s a particularly durable material. Consider how a stone fountain will complement the existing hardscape in your yard before committing to one.

Hardscaping Ideas

Before deciding on your hardscaping materials and layout, consider any drainage issues that may arise when installing new surfaces. Account for how much water will flow through your hardscape designs during heavy rains before making any final decisions about what type of surface should go where.

This said, there are several ways to create a hardscaped yard that will complement your landscaping and protect it. Below are some ideas that combine modern and traditional elements for a cohesive and practical space.

Mix Concrete with Greenery

The defensive greys of concrete need a splash of color to make them more attractive. The refreshing green shades of plants are a perfect way to offset the dullness of concrete. By mixing concrete with greenery, you can create a contemporary look that soothes your nerves and brightens up your day.

Wood Accents and Brick Flooring

The combination of wood and brick is a smart choice for Mediterranean, farmhouse, and rustic yards. The warmth of natural wood lends an air of comfort to any outdoor space. Bricks provide a solid base while adding some texture to your design.

If you want a cheerful atmosphere with plenty of sunlight, use whitewashed brick to amplify the rays.

Pair Concrete with Steel

Concrete alone can feel too heavy in an outdoor living area. To combat the weightiness, add steel accents to your design. Steel chairs and tables are a striking choice for outdoor furniture that won’t go unnoticed.

Make Your Outdoor Space Come Alive

What is hardscaping? It is the best way to make your yard feel more like a getaway. The use of natural materials and classic design elements can bring a whole new level of comfort and beauty to your outdoor living space.

If you are ready to create an inviting property that you will love coming home to, then contact Martin John Company for a consultation. We have been transforming outdoor spaces for over 20 years, so we know exactly how to bring your vision to life!

Spring is Here! 5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal

It is officially springtime, which means gray skies and snow are behind us, and we can look forward to longer, brighter days. Early spring is one of the most popular times of year for outdoor landscaping, and many homeowners like to focus on simple, yet impactful projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal this spring.

Install Edging along Walkways & Garden Beds

Edging is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your home’s aesthetic appeal almost immediately, and it is often referred to as a facelift for your home. It creates contrast and adds definition to the various parts of your yard, and it also keeps things neat and tidy in a way that is pleasing to the eye. There are plenty of materials you can use for edging, including concrete, wood, stones, tile, or even plastic. You can use edging along the length of your sidewalks, walkways, driveway, and even garden beds.

Lay Down New Mulch

A new layer of mulch is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal. Traditional mulch in varied brown tones is by far the most popular, but there are all kinds of other options to consider if you really want your home to stand out. You could opt for mulch in a color that complements your home’s aesthetic, but avoid light or pastel colors, which can quickly take on a “dirty” look. If you want something more permanent, opt for pebbles or rocks, instead.

Improve Your Yard’s Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in outdoor landscaping, but it is one of the most powerful ways to improve your home’s curb appeal – especially before dawn or after dusk. The possibilities are endless, but if you want a truly dramatic effect, use brighter lights to highlight your front door and any other focus areas and dimmer lights for things like footpaths. If energy consumption is a concern, solar lighting is an excellent choice.

Clean and/or Paint Your Home’s Exterior

If your home is covered in siding, making it look new again is as simple as cleaning it. You can have your home exterior power washed in a single afternoon, and the transformation is almost unbelievable. On the other hand, if your home’s exterior is painted, avoid power-washing, and have it professionally repainted, instead. Do not neglect your front door, shutters, and window frames; sometimes, painting them a bright, happy color can really make them pop.

Trim Shrubs & Trees

Unkempt shrubs and trees can dramatically affect your home’s curb appeal, so if you’re looking for quick ways to give your home an upgrade, hire a professional trimmer. When you hire a pro, he or she can look for signs of damage or disease that could cause issues down the road. This is another project that can usually be done in a single day, and it can make a dramatic difference.

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, so it is important to keep it in good, clean condition. Completing projects like edging and mulch, adding and adjusting lighting, trimming back trees and shrubs, and power washing or painting your home can go a long way toward improving your home’s appearance.

7 Perfect Springtime Bungalow Garden Ideas for the Chicago Area

If you live in a beautiful Chicago-area bungalow, landscaping often involves creating a welcoming appearance and feel with big porches, lots of windows, and a general cottage-like vibe. Bungalow landscaping is more than just garden beds; in fact, the perfect springtime bungalow garden is one that is an extension of your home. Here are seven beautiful and perfect bungalow garden ideas to incorporate this season.

#1 – Use Lots of Paths and Gates

One of the draws of bungalow living is the coziness and mystery that tends to surround them. To add to this old-fashioned feel, use natural pavers to create several unique walkways that lead to various parts of your property. Install gates to section these areas off and make use of fixtures like arches and even gazebos to add even more interest.

#2 – Turn Small Patios into Retreats

Even if your bungalow boasts a large wrap-around porch, there is something serene and special about creating small patios in tucked-away corners of your property. Use leftover walkway pavers to create a four-by-four-foot patio, then place a couple of charming chairs on it to create a hidden space.

#3 – Create Outdoor Living Spaces

If you have a large porch or patio, consider turning it into an outdoor living space that can serve as an extension of your home. It could be an outdoor hobby room, complete with storage and comfortable places to curl up and knit. It may be a reading nook with a stone fire pit and cozy chair. On the other hand, if you like to entertain guests, you could convert it into a fully functional outdoor kitchen facing a beautiful flower garden, instead.

#4 – Stick to Natural-Looking Materials

Creating a picturesque bungalow garden involves utilizing as many natural materials as you can in your landscape. Avoid metals and materials that do not occur naturally and stick to things like natural-looking wood and rough-cut stone. You might even consider utilizing ivy as a decorative element for a touch of rustic flair.

#5 – Install a White Picket Fence

The white picket fence has been associated with the American Dream for generations, so if you have always dreamed of one, consider wrapping one around a darling bungalow garden. You can use it as a perimeter for your entire yard, or you can install a smaller version around your outdoor living space. The possibilities are endless.

#6 – Avoid Being Too Structured

Many people tend to be too perfect in their planning, but when it comes to the bungalow-style garden, this can take away from the appeal. Do not worry too much about a perfectly structured and symmetrical garden, and instead try to have a more eclectic train of thought. Furnishings do not need to match, for example, and your flower beds do not have to be perfectly balanced. The randomness lends to the bungalow charm.

#7 – Wildflowers Are Your Friends

Last, but most certainly not least, rather than spending hours or even days meticulously planting specific flowers in strategic places, consider getting a big envelope of mixed wildflower seeds and tossing them here and there. Once again, bungalow gardening is not about meticulous planting. Rather, it is about letting nature determine the course. Wildflowers are stunning, and they are good for the local wildlife, too!

Bungalow gardens are known for their cozy charm, tucked-away seating areas, and eclectic style. The seven tips above can serve as inspiration for your own bungalow garden this spring, or you can incorporate some of your own creativity and make your space your own.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Start Planning an Outdoor Living Space Your Family Will Enjoy All Year

The chill of winter is still in the air, but spring is just around the corner, and that means it is time for family get-togethers, neighborhood barbecues, and quiet nights spent reading a book on the back porch. In fact, now is the perfect time to start thinking about an outdoor living space that will make all your outdoor activities more comfortable and convenient this year.

What Type of Space is Right for You?

Before you start planning your outdoor living space, you will need to decide which type of outdoor space will best serve your family. One of the most popular options is an outdoor kitchen and seating area, which may consist of a grill and oven, counterspace, and a refrigerator as well as comfortable seating for as many people as you would like. On the other hand, some families prefer a more tropical vibe around their in-ground pool, and still, others want to create cozy reading nooks next to roaring outdoor fireplaces where they can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a delightful read all year long.

Benefits of an Outdoor Living Space

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average American spends as much of 90% of their time indoors, which can be detrimental to overall health. Spending time outdoors is the best way to naturally increase your vitamin D levels, reduce inflammation, and even improve your overall mood.

It Encourages Social Gatherings

Having a get-together is exciting but piling a group of people inside your home can feel claustrophobic. With an outdoor living space, you can easily cook and serve a complete meal while enjoying the company of your friends, family, and neighbors. The ability to enjoy the open space encourages more social interaction, which is good for mental health – especially in our post-pandemic world.

It Makes Cleanup Easier

Everyone loves a good pool party or barbeque (or even both!), but no one loves cleaning up in their wake. When you host these events in your new outdoor living space, cleanup becomes much easier! From grilling burgers to serving ice-cold drinks, there is no need to go in and out of the house in a wet swimsuit or shoes to keep your guests happy.

It Provides Extra Livable Space

If you have ever wanted to build a quiet breakfast or reading nook in your house, but you just can’t seem to find the right place, consider extending your nook to the outdoors. The endless options make it possible to create a cozy space next to a fire that you can enjoy in the dead of winter. Conversely, you could create a screened-in area with plenty of ventilation for escaping to the great outdoors during the summer.

It May Increase Your Home’s Value

A recent survey conducted by Rocket Homes found that the addition of an attached outdoor living space – such as a deck or porch with comfort features – can increase the value of a home by as much as $20,000. It is important to note that this is not the case in every situation, and things like location and the neighborhood can have an impact, too. However, if you are concerned about the cost of your renovation and whether you can recoup that investment when you sell, most real estate experts agree that your outdoor living space will pay for itself when your home goes up on the market.

Outdoor living spaces can serve different purposes for different families. For some, they offer an exceptional and comfortable way to enjoy their pool or hot tub; for others, it is more about hosting friends and family for a barbeque or other get-together. Either way, these spaces bring the comforts of everyday life into the beauty of nature, and there is never a downside to that.

Why Heat Zone Mapping is Important for Proper Landscape Planning

Whether you are new to the area or you have never had much luck keeping plants and flowers alive, understanding heat zone mapping can make or break your landscaping plans. Learning more about your heat zone is one of the first and most important steps in planning a landscape that looks phenomenal year-round.

What is a Heat Zone?

The American Horticultural Society developed the Heat Zone Map to give gardeners a resource for proper planting throughout the year. This map divides the United States into 12 distinct zones, and each zone can support its own unique subset of plants. The city of Chicago falls into Heat Zone 5, but most of the state of Illinois falls into Zone 6 or Zone 7. As such, you can use this information to determine which vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and even grasses will thrive on your property.

How to Use Heat Zones to Plan Your Landscape

Now that you understand your heat zone, you can use this information to determine what to plant for a beautiful landscape all yea

Grasses: Not all grasses can thrive in the cold winters associated with Zone 5. Some of the best and most beautiful options include fine fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
Vegetables: While you can grow a wide variety of vegetables successfully in Zone 5, the heat map can provide you with some guidance as to when to plant and harvest. For example, asparagus is one of the most popular Zone 5 vegetables, and it should be planted in March and April. Other options include lettuce and onions, which should be planted in April or May. You can even plant peas in the fall if you plant them eight to 10 weeks before the first frost.
Flowers: You need to wait until after the last frost of the season for flowers, and in Zone 5, that typically occurs before April 15. Many of the best flowers for this zone include lilies, delphinium, daylilies, phlox, bee balm, hollyhocks, peonies, and even lavender. These provide bright, beautiful, season-long color. If you are planting in the shade, look for options like hostas, ferns, bleeding heart, balloon flower, foxglove, and coral bells.
Shrubs: Shrubs offer bright foliage, but many also flower or produce colorful fruit. In Zone 5, look for hydrangeas, lilac, rhododendron, azalea, and dogwood. Even rosebushes can thrive in this zone! If you want to plan for some color during the winter months, be sure to consider options like holly, which stays green all year and fruits in the late fall. If you love hazelnuts, consider planting these 10-foot shrubs. As a bonus they boast bright orange-red leaves in the fall.
Trees: While you certainly cannot expect to grow any citrus fruits, the ornamental tree selection for homeowners in Zone 5 is exceptional. Some eye-catching, hardy options include Japanese lilac, dwarf red buckeye, and Russian olive. Some of the more common trees include flowering pear and plum trees, dogwoods, and even cherry trees! Certain nut trees also thrive in Zone 5, including walnut and hickory

Zone 5 is one of the colder zones in the continental United States, and while that may limit your ability to grow certain plants successfully, there is certainly no shortage of options. Using the Heat Zone Map is one of the best ways to plan for color and foliage all year round.

Winter Curb Appeal Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home

Winters in the Chicago area are not known for their cheerful color, and that means your home exterior may start looking a little drab. If you are looking for ways to spruce up your home and give it some much-needed curb appeal, the tips and ideas below may inspire you.

Paint Your Front Door

When real estate agents help homeowners sell their houses, more than 70% encourage their clients to apply a fresh coat of bright, cheerful paint – especially during the winter. You might choose to paint the door of a white house blue, or if your home is brick, consider a brilliant red. The best part of this project is its simplicity; most homeowners can DIY the entire project for under $100 in supplies.

Plant Some Evergreens

Winter foliage can go a long way toward making homes look alive in the dead of winter. Though tulips and hydrangeas add beautiful color, they simply don’t thrive in Chicago’s cold winters. Look for evergreen shrubs that will add a pop of green all throughout the year. Some ideas include boxwood, mountain laurel, evergreen azaleas, and even Oregon grape. Blue holly is another stunning option with its shiny blue-green leaves, and the female plants even sprout bright red fruit.

Make the Best Use of Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in curb appeal, and that is especially true in the dark, gray days of winter. Add some decorative lanterns to your porch, or consider utilizing lighting along walking paths, your driveway, and even the perimeter of your home. You’ll want to be sure that you look for products that are weather-resistant, and while metal frames are quite hardy, stone is often your best bet.

Keep Walkways and Driveways Snow-Free

Even if you are not a fan of the winter months, there is something beautiful and serene about a soft blanket of snow as far as the eye can see. Snow cover also gives you the option to create curb appeal by simply clearing the snow from your driveways and walkways. The distinct variation between the snow-covered lawn and the crisp, detailed paths is quite picturesque, and as a bonus, cleared walking paths are safer, too.

Don’t Overdo the Holiday Decor

If you are someone who loves holiday decor, you are certainly not alone. More than half of all real estate agents say that a few carefully placed decorations – including tasteful Christmas lights – attract buyers. However, overdoing the holiday decor can have the opposite of the intended effect. Instead, choose a few of your favorite (and simple) decorations and place them strategically throughout your home’s exterior. In other words, the holiday decor should be noticeable, but it should not detract from the best features of your home.

From landscaping to decorating and even a fresh coat of paint, there are countless ways to improve your home’s curb appeal without spending a fortune. A few evergreens, a brightly-colored front door, and a clear pathway to that door are often all it takes to spruce up your home’s exterior.

Tips on Winterizing Your Chicago Garden

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means Chicago-area gardeners are doing all they can to winterize their crops and flowers. Below are some of the top tips for winterizing your Chicago garden and ensuring a fantastic spring and summer next year.

Lay Down Fresh Mulch

Ideally, you should lay down a fresh coating of mulch before the first frost, but in this case, late is better than never. Mulch is important for maintaining the temperature of your plant’s roots and soil, which ultimately helps them come back in the spring hardier and more resilient. Aim for about two inches in thickness of the mulch for better insulation. While snow is also an excellent insulator, Chicago-area residents cannot rely on a constant snow cover, so mulch is the best option.

Bring Less Resilient Plants Indoors

Many Chicagoans use container gardening to their advantage to help them avoid the pitfalls of the freezing cold winters. Make sure that you put any non-hardy plants in containers and bring them in before the first frost. If you are unable to bring them in, you can try loosely covering them with a tarp and using bricks to hold the tarp in place. Otherwise, bring whatever you can indoors and be mindful of light and watering requirements.

Cover Your Compost

Compost piles are living ecosystems, and if you want rich compost for your springtime garden you will want to do your best to protect your pile throughout the winter. The best rule of thumb is to cover the heap with straw to a depth of about two inches. This helps to insulate the compost and keep the naturally produced heat from escaping out into the freezing cold environment. Remove the straw after the last frost, and you are sure to find an amazingly rich compost that is ready to give your flowers and vegetables all the nutrition they need.

Switch What is in Your Greenhouse

If you are someone who loves to grow food and flowers year-round, there is plenty you can grow safely inside your greenhouse, even in the middle of December. Some options include root vegetables and greens, which perform exceptionally well during the winter months. Look for winter garden vegetables that are cold-hardy and have very short maturation periods for the best possible results. Some other options include carrots, lettuce, onions, and potatoes.

Determine Your Harvesting and Watering Schedule

There is not a lot of harvesting in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 in December, but some late bloomers may still be producing blooms or fruit – especially if there has not been a major frost or hard freeze. Some crops may even survive freezing but be sure that you wait until the ground has thawed to harvest them if this is the case. You won’t need to water much, either. There is not much sunlight during the winter months, and adding mulch helps to trap available moisture in the soil.

Winterizing your Chicago garden is all about protecting your plants from the elements and trapping as much heat and moisture in the soil as you can. Aside from this, any actual growing should be done indoors or in your greenhouse – at least until after the last frost.

What is the Midwest Gardener’s December Checklist?

By this time of year, most everyone has their minds on the upcoming holidays instead of their gardens, but your garden still requires your attention even in November and December. Below is a simple checklist that will ensure that you are doing all the right things at all the right times, and it is specific to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 6.

Perform Winter Garden Maintenance

While winter garden maintenance might be quite a bit simpler than growing season maintenance, it is every bit as important. Some tasks to consider include:

Cutting the plants that are finished blooming or producing new foliage to about six inches and add any healthy cuttings to your compost pile.
Covering your compost heap or pile with a tarp or straw about two inches thick before the next snowfall.
Adding compost to your gardens and plant cover crops. This will provide soil enrichment and prevent erosion over the winter months.
Dumping out pots and storing them indoors to prevent cracking.

Clean and Maintain Your Garden Tools

Winter is by far one of the best times to give your garden tools a thorough cleaning since you won’t be using many of them for at least a couple of months. You can clean debris off your metal tools with an abrasive pad or a grill brush, then wipe down their surfaces with a damp cloth. If you notice any rust on your tools, you can use sandpaper to try to remove it as gently as you can. To prevent rust, dip a paper towel or cloth in vegetable oil and wipe down the surfaces before you store them. If any of your garden tools have wooden handles, it is better to use an oil (such as Linseed oil) that is specifically designed to condition and seal wood.

Mulch

Mulch is just as important in the winter as it is throughout the rest of the year. It insulates the soil, which in turn protects your perennials’ root systems and helps microorganisms remain active all winter long. While some gardeners will tell you that snow is a great insulator – and it is – people in the Chicagoland area cannot rely on a constant snow cover. As such, mulching your gardens in the late fall months will help to regulate temperatures in the roots and the soil, keeping your plants much healthier as they lie dormant.

Compost

You can continue to compost all throughout the winter thanks to the heat generated by the natural breakdown of organic matter. Just make sure that your heap consists of 30 parts “brown” ingredients (carbon-makers) to one part of “green” elements (nitrogen-makers). This can be tricky in zones four through six, so if you can, reserve lawn clippings and leaves to add to your compost pile all throughout the winter. If you want to start a compost heap, it is best to start indoors during the cold months.

Aside from these tasks, the winter months are also useful for indoor growing and greenhouse growing, too. For the most part, make sure your garden checklist focuses on maintaining your garden, your tools, and your compost heap appropriately so that you can enjoy a brilliant display in the spring.