As the gardening season winds down, preparing your garden for winter ensures a healthy landscape and stronger plants in spring. Here are ten top tips gathered from experts across gardening resources to help you winterize your garden effectively.
1. Prune Strategically
- Prune only certain plants in the fall, focusing on herbs (like rosemary and sage), perennials that benefit from fall pruning (such as roses), and select berries like raspberries. However, avoid pruning trees and shrubs right before winter, as this can expose them to frost damage. Keep seedheads on some perennials like coneflowers to feed overwintering birds.
2. Mulch Generously
- Adding a thick layer of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and trees helps insulate roots, prevent frost heaving, and regulate soil moisture. For most areas, a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch, like straw, chopped leaves, or pine needles, is ideal. Just remember to keep the mulch a few inches from the base of plants to prevent rot.
3. Water Before the Freeze
- Although watering might seem unnecessary as temperatures drop, it’s essential, especially for young trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Give them a deep watering before the ground freezes to ensure they are well-hydrated, as this helps protect roots from winter desiccation.
4. Bring Houseplants and Tender Annuals Indoors
- Before the first frost, move houseplants and tender annuals indoors. Frost-sensitive plants like geraniums, fuchsias, and succulents cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so bring them in or cover them with frost cloth if necessary.
5. Sow Cover Crops for Soil Health
- Consider planting cover crops such as clover or winter rye to improve soil quality. Cover crops prevent erosion, add organic matter, and replenish nitrogen. This practice is especially beneficial if you plan to grow vegetables next spring, as cover crops enrich and prepare the soil.
6. Protect Trees and Shrubs from Harsh Weather
- Protect young or delicate trees and shrubs from harsh winter winds and snow. Wrap them with burlap or place stakes around the plant, filling the enclosure with straw or leaves. Tree wraps can also prevent sunscald and bark splitting
7. Cut Back Certain Perennials (But Not All!)
- Some perennials benefit from cutting back to reduce disease and keep gardens looking neat. However, others, like ornamental grasses and flowers with winter seedheads, can be left to add winter interest and provide food for birds.
8. Prepare and Insulate Compost Piles
- Harvest any finished compost to use in garden beds and then start a new compost pile with fall leaves and kitchen scraps. This “insulated” compost heap will keep decomposing through winter, adding nutrients to the soil for spring planting.
9. Replenish Soil with Organic Material
- Spread compost or rotted manure over garden beds to improve soil health. As it breaks down over winter, it adds nutrients that benefit spring growth. Fall is also an excellent time to test your soil and amend it if necessary.
10. Disconnect Hoses and Protect Water Systems
- Avoid frozen pipes and damaged hoses by disconnecting and storing hoses before the first freeze. Drain any outdoor water systems or irrigation lines and insulate outdoor spigots to prevent freezing damage.
By following these steps, your garden will be better equipped to handle winter's challenges, setting up your landscape for a vibrant, successful growing season come spring.
