As the seasons change and temperatures drop, preparing your garden for winter becomes key to ensuring your plants survive the cold months ahead. Winterizing your flower and vegetable gardens will not only protect your plants but also set the stage for a flourishing garden come springtime. And it all starts with taking a stroll around your yard.
"Walk around with a pad and pen, and write stuff down," says Sally McCabe, the associate director of community education for the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society. "What worked? What didn't work? What do you need more or less of next year? What repairs are needed before spring planting? Those notes will come in handy when you start planning next year's garden."
Once you know what adjustments are needed, you can use this handy guide on how to winterize your garden.
Clear Out Summer Plants
Before winter sets in, remove any remaining summer annuals and vegetables that have stopped producing. Clear out plant debris like fallen leaves and dead foliage, which can harbor pests and diseases over winter.
Prune and Mulch
Trim back perennial plants that are dormant or have finished flowering to encourage healthy growth in the next growing season. Apply a layer of mulch around plants to insulate roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. Use organic mulch like shredded leaves, straw, or compost.
And pro tip: "Convince your friends with evergreens that the first week of December really is the best time to prune," says McCabe. "Shape shrubs to better fit their space while you collect scraps to make wreaths, centerpieces, and flower arrangements to brighten what’s otherwise the darkest time of the year."
Protect Tender Plants
Plants that are sensitive to frost like tropicals and tender perennials should be moved indoors or into a greenhouse before the first frost. Alternatively, you can use frost blankets or cloches to shield your plants from freezing temperatures.
Maintain Soil Health
Improve soil health by adding compost or organic matter to beds and containers. This enriches the soil and provides nutrients for plants in the coming months. Avoid compacting soil by limiting foot traffic on garden beds during wet or frozen conditions.
Check Irrigation Systems
If you have an irrigation system, drain and winterize it to prevent freezing and damage. Ensure all hoses are drained and stored indoors to prevent cracking from freezing temperatures.
Plan for Spring
Winter is the perfect time to plan for the upcoming spring season. You can research and order seeds, bulbs, and plants and consider any changes or improvements you'd like to make to your garden layout or design.
"Generally, you still have plenty of time to plant bulbs if you get them in the ground before New Year's," advises McCabe. "The ground may not be frozen by then, but you'll be approaching the bulbs' necessary time in the ground for proper development before spring. Plant them later, and you run the risk of stunted growth if we get a crazy early spring thaw."
By following these steps to winterize your garden, you'll protect your plants from the harsh winter elements and set the stage for a successful spring!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
