As temperatures dip into the winter months, it’s easy to assume that your gardening career is on pause until spring arrives. However, that doesn’t need to be the case; in fact, there are plenty of flowers and vegetables to grow in the winter as long as you keep on top of certain things. So, if you can feel the winter breeze arriving but aren’t ready to pause your gardening, remember to keep in mind these ways to prepare your garden for winter.
Protect Delicate Shrubs with Burlap Wraps
There’s no denying that even the most hardy plants can struggle in winter, especially sensitive shrubs and trees, which can be especially vulnerable to frost and harsh winter winds. This is why you’ll need to wrap them up in breathable burlap to help insulate branches without trapping moisture. This gentle protection shields against windburn, which can sap moisture from foliage while still letting air circulate.
Mulch Around Perennials for Insulation
If you add a thick layer of organic mulch around perennials during the winter, it keeps the soil temperature consistent, protecting roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Straw, shredded leaves, or bark work well for this job. As a bonus, mulch can help preserve moisture in the soil during drier winter months, making it easier for plants to spring back to life once warmer weather arrives.
Prune Back Dead or Damaged Branches
Remember to tidy up your shrubs and trees this winter by removing dead or damaged branches, reducing the risk of snow or ice buildup that could break them. Don’t get carried away, though, as heavy pruning should be left until late winter or early spring to avoid stimulating growth that might be damaged by cold.
Drain and Store Hoses
Even the most experienced gardeners forget about this one: don’t leave your hoses connected to outdoor faucets in the winter, especially if there’s still water inside them! This risks freeze damage to both the hose and faucet, so you’ll need to drain all of the water from your hoses, coil them up, and then store them in a dry place like a shed or garage.
Bring Tender Plants Indoors
As you no doubt know, certain plants won’t tolerate frost at all, so they’ll be crying out for the warmth of indoor shelter to make it through winter. In particular, herbs, tropical plants, and young saplings are good candidates for bringing inside. Place them in a sunny spot and reduce watering slightly to prevent root rot, and you should be able to keep growing them.
Clean and Sharpen Garden Tools
If you’ve not got much to do on a cold winter day, consider taking some time to thoroughly clean your garden tools, preventing them from rusting while they sit unused during winter. It doesn’t take long: just take a few minutes to scrub off the soil, dry them, and sharpen any blades that might need it. Applying a light coating of oil will keep the metal in good shape, so they’re ready for action come spring.
Plant Winter-Hardy Bulbs
As we mentioned in the intro, winter doesn’t mean you can’t grow anything outside, so consider planting bulbs that bloom early, such as daffodils or crocuses, before the ground freezes. In fact, these hardy blooms actually need the cold to trigger their spring growth cycle. By adding these bulbs to your garden now, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant splash of color as winter fades.
Wrap Tree Trunks to Deter Rodents
Rodents sometimes chew tree bark during winter, especially on younger or fruit-bearing trees in areas with high rodent activity. This could be destructive to your garden, so wrap your tree trunks with wire mesh or tree wrap to prevent this damage. Not only does this help preserve the tree’s health, but it also protects your investment, allowing these trees to flourish without interference.
Add Compost to Vegetable Beds
Throughout the year, you’ve no doubt built up a heck of a lot of compost, and winter is the perfect time to use it. Empty your compost bin into vegetable beds to replenish the soil’s nutrients over winter. Over time, freezing and thawing help break down organic material, so by spring, your soil will be rich and ready for new crops.
Turn Off Irrigation Systems
Just like with your hoses, any irrigation setup should be completely drained and turned off before the first frost. Naturally, residual water in pipes can freeze, causing them to crack, which would be even more of a problem than if your hose broke. Once drained, wrap any above-ground components with insulation for added protection against cold snaps.
Support Climbing Plants and Trellises
Heavy snow can pull down climbing plants and weaken trellises, so ensure that you check supports, reinforce where needed, and gently secure plants with garden ties to prevent sagging or breakage. Giving these structures a little attention now keeps them standing tall and ready for new growth in spring, so you’ll thank yourself later.
Rake Leaves for Better Air Circulation
Believe it or not, a thick layer of fallen leaves can suffocate the grass and trap moisture, inviting mold and pests. You don’t want that, so remember to rake the leaves in your yard regularly, especially on lawns, to encourage healthy airflow. For flower beds, consider leaving some leaves as they add nutrients to the soil over winter while breaking down.
Trim Perennial Herbs for Indoor Use
While perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage might not survive outdoors in the winter, there’s no reason that you can’t keep growing them indoors. Simply trim and dry them indoors, and you’ll be able to preserve their flavors for winter cooking while protecting the plants from frost damage. Hanging small bunches in a dry area with good air circulation works well for drying.
Raise Containers Off Cold Surfaces
Gardeners often forget that, in the winter, plants in containers are especially vulnerable because their roots are more exposed. Therefore, you should use pot feet or bricks to lift containers slightly, reducing the chilling effect of cold surfaces. This helps prevent root rot by allowing water to drain more effectively, and it will only take a couple of minutes.
Cover Root Crops with Straw
If you’re planning on growing root vegetables like carrots and parsnips throughout the winter, they should be able to survive underground, but the chances of this will be heightened if you insulate them with a layer of straw. Just spread a thick covering over rows to maintain a stable soil temperature, which keeps roots from freezing solid. This protection lets you harvest fresh produce through the winter.
Protect Pond Fish with Floating Devices
It should go without saying that you don’t want your fish pond and its inhabitants to freeze over winter, so you should add a floating object, such as a rubber ball, which will prevent a solid ice layer from forming on small ponds, helping maintain a bit of oxygen exchange. However, in colder regions, using a pond de-icer is a more effective way to keep water open and breathable for fish.
Plant a Winter Cover Crop
Cover crops, such as rye or clover, enrich your soil by preventing erosion and adding nutrients when they’re turned under in spring, so they’re a solid idea to plant in the winter. This is because sowing them before the ground freezes gives these plants time to establish; they essentially work as a green blanket for bare beds, building soil health over the winter.
Protect Flower Beds with Row Covers
Don’t forget to protect your flower beds with row covers in the winter, as they will shield flower beds from frost while still letting sunlight in. These lightweight fabrics provide an extra layer of insulation that’s easy to remove once temperatures start to rise. They’re especially useful for keeping the soil warmer and extending the life of late-blooming flowers.
Bring in Garden Décor
People often forget to bring in their decorative garden items, such as ceramic birdbaths, statues, and other outdoor décor, over winter. This isn’t good because these ornaments can crack or chip if left exposed to freezing temperatures. Don’t worry, though–bring these items indoors or into a sheltered space, and they’ll still be fresh for when spring arrives.
Review Garden Plans for Next Season
Last but not least, while your garden rests during winter, take some time to reflect on what went well this year and where there’s room to improve. You could sketch out new ideas, plan future crops, or make a list of any supplies you’ll need. Winter planning allows you to approach the growing season with renewed inspiration and purpose, so you’ll be surprised at how much it benefits you!