From heavy snow to harsh winds, there are many uncontrollable factors that can kill or damage your tender plants during winter. That is why preparing your garden beds for next year's seeds and seedling transplant before winter settles in brings a multitude of benefits to your yard. Such preparation can ward off weeds, prevent diseases in next season's crops, and promote overall soil health. In this article, we have listed three smart ways to winterize your yard and garden to help you identify the most essential tasks for getting your garden ready for the cold days ahead.
Keep Your Garden Beds Clean
While it can be tempting to slack off a bit on gardening tasks as the season winds down, it is important to get back to composting dead plants, pulling up stakes, tending weeds, and fixing all the other clutter. Aside from their unappealing aesthetics, old and infected plants can harbor pests and diseases. At the same time, they can house beneficial bugs as well. Take the time to remove and put aside these plants to avoid spreading disease to your healthy vegetation. Take advantage of this time to scoop out the last of this season's "black gold" to ensure a nutrient-rich environment for the upcoming spring season.
Create Winter Protection for Your Garden Beds
Winter brings grueling growing conditions to houseplants like chilly temperatures, shorter days, lower light levels, and dry air. The secret to helping plants survive winter is to add an extra layer of protection so they don't get blown away by harsh winter winds. It is advisable to use frost protection cloth, as fabrics are relatively easy to use, and they give you the ability to cover wide swaths. At the same time, engage in protective measures for your patio furniture to minimize damage during freezing temperatures. Removal and storage also give the lawn and plants beneath and around your furniture the chance to regrow and enjoy more sunlight and water.
Apply Extra Winter Mulch
For the last of our three smart ways to winterize your yard and garden, it is advisable to apply layers of winter mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds that absorb most of the nutrients in the ground. It also helps keep a steady temperature by blocking out the warmth of the sun to protect your plants from the damaging conditions of winter. When deciding which material to use for winter mulching, look for degradable and organic materials, such as shredded mulch, straw, pine needles, aged compost, or shredded leaves to allow the nutrients to break down into the soil.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
A public restroom mirror takes more abuse than most building fixtures. It deals with constant traffic, quick cleanups, occasional impacts, and the daily reality of fingerprints and splashes. The best option stays clear, resists damage, and installs in a way that supports safety and accessibility. Continue reading to explore the best mirror types for high-traffic public restrooms.
