Winter-Proof Your Garden with These Expert Tips

When the temperatures drop, your garden needs a little extra care to make it through the cold months. Whether you’re dealing with light frost or serious snow, preparing your landscape for winter helps protect your plants and sets you up for a healthier, more productive growing season in spring. Here’s how the pros winter-proof their gardens.

1. Mulch Around Your Plants

A fresh layer of mulch acts like insulation, protecting plant roots from freezing temperatures and reducing soil erosion. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and young trees.

2. Cut Back the Right Plants

Trim down spent annuals and any perennials that are prone to disease. Leave seed heads on coneflowers or black-eyed Susans to feed birds during the winter months.

3. Water Before the Ground Freezes

Dry plants are more likely to suffer winter damage. Give your garden a deep watering before the first hard freeze, especially for evergreens and newly planted trees or shrubs.

4. Protect Tender Plants

Cover vulnerable plants with frost cloths or burlap to shield them from harsh winds and sudden temperature drops. For potted plants, move them closer to buildings or indoors if possible.

5. Clean and Store Tools

Don’t forget your equipment! Clean, sharpen, and store your tools properly so they’re ready to go in the spring. Drain hoses and irrigation systems to prevent cracking from frozen water.

Winter doesn’t have to spell disaster for your garden. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your plants survive — and even thrive — when the warm weather returns.