Could It Finally Be Wintertime In Houston?

Make sure your soil is ready for the “cold”!

Howdy Subscriber First Name,

Winter is settling in across the Houston area. Days are shorter, the soil cools quickly, and plant growth slows to a crawl. This season is quieter above ground, but surprisingly important below the surface. Cooler temperatures (now that they have finally arrived) allow soil biology to rest, and winter moisture helps set the stage for strong spring growth.

Our winter treatments focus on building long term resilience. We shift toward carbon rich materials like humates and the excellent compost we get from Farm Dirt Compost, as well as beneficial mineral inputs to shore up soil structure during the dormant season. With grass growth slowing, nitrogen is less important right now. Instead, we concentrate on nutrients and organisms that strengthen roots, improve soil drainage, and prepare your landscape for the surge of activity in early spring.

Keep reading for some tips on using the quiet season to strength your soil so that spring can explode with growth, vigor, and deeper resilience.

Hope to see you outside,

Clay

Know someone who could use these tips to make it through the winter? Share this newsletter with a friend, neighbor or land manager to help spread healthier soil across Houston!

Tips for Winter

Watering

Water less often this time of year, if at all. Most landscapes need far less irrigation once temperatures drop. Allow the soil surface to dry for a spell between waterings to keep roots healthy.

Leaf Maintenance

If possible, mulch your leaves into the soil instead of removing them. They are free organic matter and become food for the soil biology that makes healthy turf possible. Leave piles anywhere you can without smothering grass or ornamentals, as it’s cover for beneficial insects and creatures to over-winter.

Mowing

Expect to mow way less during the winter. Taller grass helps insulate the soil and reduces stress from cold snaps and dry periods. Also, mowing slows root growth, and that's the big project for the season. Mow tall and just enough.

Soil Health

Winter is a perfect time for minerals that help with soil flocculation and structure. Gypsum, sulfur, and even trace minerals like zinc or boron work slowly and steadily when soils stay cool and moist (but not soggy).

If you have any questions about winter care, trouble spots in your landscape, or ways to prepare for early spring, feel free to reach out anytime. We are here to help your soil stay alive and thriving through the cold months.