How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter the Right Way

Winter might seem like the end of the gardening season, but a little prep now can make a huge difference come spring. Protecting your plants from cold, moisture loss, and frost will help them survive the offseason and bounce back strong. Here’s what you should do before the deep freeze sets in.

1. Mulch Is Your Best Friend
A thick layer of mulch keeps the soil insulated, protects roots from freeze/thaw cycles, and helps retain moisture. Add 2–3 inches around your plants, keeping it slightly away from the stems or trunks.

2. Trim What Needs Trimming
Cut back dead or diseased annuals and perennials. But don’t go overboard — some plants (like ornamental grasses or coneflowers) can be left up to provide winter beauty and food for birds.

3. Deep Water Before Freezing
Before the soil freezes, give your trees, shrubs, and garden beds a deep soak — especially newer plantings. Dry roots are more likely to suffer damage during the winter.

4. Protect Vulnerable Plants
Use burlap wraps, frost blankets, or even overturned pots to protect young or sensitive plants from harsh winds and extreme cold. Potted plants should be moved to sheltered spots or indoors.

5. Put Your Tools to Bed
Don’t forget to care for your garden gear. Clean and dry tools, empty and roll up hoses, and shut down irrigation systems so nothing cracks or rusts during the freeze.

Winter prep isn’t just about survival — it’s about setting your garden up for a head start next season. A few extra steps now will help ensure that your plants come back stronger and healthier when the weather warms up again.