As winter nears, many homeowners assume their lawns and landscapes can rest until spring. However, without proper winter preparation, your yard may struggle to thrive when warmer weather returns. By incorporating six essential products into your winter lawn care routine, you can set the foundation for a healthy, vibrant landscape in spring. These winter must-haves include Microlife 6-2-4, Microlife Brown Patch 5-1-3, Nature's Creation Corn Gluten, Nature's Creation Root Stimulator, Texas Native Mulch, and Frost Cloth.
Microlife 6-2-4 is a powerful, all-organic fertilizer that optimally supports plant and soil health throughout all seasons. Formulated with a unique blend of over 100 nutrients, vitamins, and natural stimulators, this product delivers comprehensive nutrition to plants while enhancing soil structure. Ingredients like fish, kelp, emery humates, and rock phosphate contribute to strong root development, while a diverse mix of organic materials—such as bat guano, alfalfa, and soy meal—work in tandem to support soil and root ecosystems. The fertilizer is also fortified with the MicroGro Supreme Bio-Inoculant, a robust microbial package containing billions of beneficial microorganisms, including both endo and ecto mycorrhizal fungi. These microbes work symbiotically with plant roots to improve nutrient absorption and enhance soil fertility.
Why Apply in Winter? Applying Microlife 6-2-4 in late fall or early winter strengthens roots and increases soil health, building resilience for your turf throughout the colder months. Its 100% slow-release formula ensures a steady, gradual nutrient supply, which is essential as many grasses enter a semi-dormant phase in winter. This slow-release action minimizes nutrient runoff and maximizes uptake, fostering a robust root system. Lawns and landscapes treated with Microlife 6-2-4 have shown significant increases in root density and nutrient efficiency, enabling them to better withstand winter stressors and emerge more vigorously in spring.
Application: For turfgrass and gardens, 20 lb per 1,000 sq ft. Repeat every 3–4 months.
Available now for $29.99 (7-lb) or $68.99 (40-lb).
Next, consider Microlife Brown Patch 5-1-3. This specialized fertilizer is specifically formulated to address winter lawn issues, with a strong focus on preventing brown patches, which are often triggered by temperature fluctuations. Its balanced nutrient mix, combined with a unique bio-inoculant package, supports soil health and enhances turf resilience during the colder months.
Microlife Brown Patch 5-1-3 is a potent, homogenous, all-organic biological fertilizer that includes a rich blend of ingredients designed for soil and plant health. Its primary nutrients come from fish, kelp, humates, molasses, soy meal, cottonseed meal, wheat middlings, and rock phosphate. Added potassium sulfate and iron sulfate contribute essential elements, while alfalfa, corn meal, and Kmag provide additional soil health benefits. The MicroGro Anti-Disease Bio-Inoculant package, integral to this formula, introduces billions of beneficial microorganisms—including specific strains of disease-fighting bacteria and fungi—directly into the soil, creating a thriving, protective microbial ecosystem that guards against pathogens.
Why Apply in Winter? Applying Microlife Brown Patch 5-1-3 in late fall can reduce the incidence of fungal diseases like brown patch by over 50%. Its balanced N-P-K ratio (5-1-3) supplies essential nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that boost lawn vigor without overstimulating growth during winter dormancy. The added microbial activity enriches the soil, fostering a resilient lawn that remains healthy year-round, even during dormant months.
Application: For turfgrass, apply at 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Repeat every 3–4 months as needed to maintain ongoing disease protection and soil vitality.
Available now for $35.00 (7-lb) or $75.00 (40-lb).
Nature's Creation Corn Gluten serves as a natural pre-emergent herbicide, preventing weed seeds from germinating while simultaneously delivering a steady supply of slow-release nitrogen. Derived from 100% corn gluten meal, this product is an eco-friendly, chemical-free solution ideal for homeowners who prioritize natural lawn care. Because it prevents root formation in newly germinated weed seeds, Corn Gluten is particularly effective against broadleaf weeds and annual grasses, such as dandelions and crabgrass, which can quickly invade turf.
Why Apply in Winter? Applying Corn Gluten in late winter or early spring creates a protective barrier in the soil, reducing weed emergence by up to 80%. Its nitrogen content enhances soil fertility, offering plants a nutrient boost over a three- to four-month period. By enriching the soil with organic matter, Corn Gluten supports the existing grass’s health, helping it grow denser and more competitive against weeds.
Application: Apply Corn Gluten to dry soil before weed seeds germinate, ensuring it is watered in with about 1/4 inch of water within five days to activate its pre-emergent effects. Avoid using it in areas where new grass seeds or other desirable seeds have been sown within 120 days, as it can inhibit their germination as well.
Available now for $68.00 (40-lb).
Winter brings various stressors to lawns and landscapes, making Nature's Creation Root Stimulator an essential addition to winter lawn care. Formulated with natural plant hormones, such as cytokinins and auxins derived from seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), this root stimulator promotes deep root growth, helping grass and plants establish a resilient foundation. By stimulating beneficial soil microorganisms, it enhances soil structure, making nutrients and water more accessible to plants.
Why Apply in Winter? Winter conditions, including soil compaction and reduced water availability, can hinder root development. Nature's Creation Root Stimulator counteracts these effects by encouraging root systems to grow deeper and stronger. Lawns treated with this root stimulator demonstrate a 25% improvement in water retention, which helps them withstand winter's drying effects. When spring arrives, plants emerge healthier and better prepared to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Application: For established turfgrass, mix 6 Tbsp per gallon of water to cover 1,000 sq ft. Reapply every three weeks as needed, especially for new transplants and young plants.
Available now for $12.00 (1-qt) or $20.00 (1-gal).
Texas Native Mulch is an essential component of winter lawn care, providing a natural, organic layer of insulation for soil. This mulch protects soil from temperature extremes, retains moisture, and reduces weed growth, making it a practical and eco-friendly choice for winterizing your landscape. As Texas Native Mulch decomposes, it releases nutrients back into the soil, gradually improving soil structure and fertility.
Why Apply in Winter? Mulching in winter insulates soil, maintaining a stable temperature and conserving moisture levels, which are both essential for plant roots during colder months. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch can lower soil temperature fluctuations by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. By retaining moisture and blocking light from reaching weed seeds, this mulch reduces both water loss and weed growth, keeping your landscape healthy and weed-free until spring.
Application: Apply a 2-3 inch layer around plants and garden beds, being careful to avoid direct contact with plant stems or trunks to prevent rot. Texas Native Mulch is particularly effective in garden beds, around trees, and in areas where soil moisture and weed control are crucial during winter.
Available now in 2-cu ft bags of Hardwood ($5.99), Black ($6.99), Cedar ($6.99), and Pine ($8.00).
Frost Cloth
Frost cloths, such as N-Sulate and The Planket, are valuable tools for protecting delicate plants during winter’s frosty nights. These breathable fabrics provide a layer of insulation that maintains soil moisture and reduces exposure to harsh elements.
Why Use Frost Cloths in Winter? These frost cloths create a stable microclimate around plants, helping to prevent frost damage, frost heaving, and dehydration caused by strong winter winds. Using frost cloths like N-Sulate or The Planket can extend the growing season for certain plants and ensure they survive through unexpected temperature drops.
Application: Drape frost cloths over plants and secure them around the base to prevent heat loss. For The Planket, use the cinch cord to easily fit it around shrubs or small trees, ensuring full protection from frost and wind.
Available in these sizes: N-Sulate Frost Cloth (10' x 12') ($29.99), The Planket 8' Round ($17.00), The Planket 10' Round ($21.00).
Final Thoughts
Winter may seem like a quiet time for your lawn, but it’s a crucial period for building resilience and health. By incorporating these six essentials—Microlife 6-2-4, Microlife Brown Patch 5-1-3, Nature's Creation Corn Gluten, Nature's Creation Root Stimulator, Texas Native Mulch, and frost cloths like N-Sulate and The Planket—you’re setting your lawn and landscape up for a strong comeback when spring arrives.
A few quick tips:
Apply fertilizers before the first frost to allow nutrients to settle in the soil.
Don’t wait for weeds to sprout; treat early with Corn Gluten for a weed-free start in spring.
Mulch generously but strategically around plants, keeping mulch a few inches from stems to avoid rot.
By being proactive now, you can enjoy the payoff in a resilient, lush lawn when warmer days return. Stop by Round Rock Garden Center to pick up these essentials and chat with our team for personalized winter care advice. Your lawn will thank you for it in spring!
Happy Gardening!
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