13 Steps to prepare your garden for winter

Preparing your garden for winter is crucial to protect your plants and ensure a successful growing season next spring. Here are some steps to get your garden ready for the winter:

1. Clean Up: Start by removing dead or diseased plant material, weeds, and debris from the garden beds. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. These can go in yard waste bags or in your compost bin as brown material (see our blog post about composting here)

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs: Trim back overgrown or damaged branches on trees and shrubs. Pruning in late fall or early winter can help them stay healthy during the colder months.

3. Plan for Spring: Consider what you want to plant in the spring and order seeds or bulbs accordingly. 

4. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from extreme temperatures. Use organic mulch like shredded leaves or straw.

5. Bring in Tender Plants: If you have potted plants or tender perennials that won’t survive the winter outdoors, bring them inside or store them in a protected area like a garage.

6. Watering: Make sure your garden gets a good, deep watering before the ground freezes. This helps plants endure the dry winter conditions.

7. Protect Evergreens: Shield evergreen plants, like boxwoods and cedars, from drying winter winds by wrapping them in burlap.

8. Storing Tools: Clean, sharpen and oil your pruners and shears to keep them in good condition for the next growing season and store garden tools and equipment, such as hoses, shovels, and pruners, in a dry and sheltered location.

9. Winterize Water Features: If you have a pond or other water features, consider installing a de-icer to prevent the water from freezing completely.

10. Bird Feeding: Keep bird feeders filled to provide food for local birds during the winter months. This can also help with pest control in your garden.
11. Composting: Continue to add kitchen scraps and yard waste to your compost pile. A well-maintained compost pile can be used to enrich your garden in the spring.

12. Prepare for Snow:Have snow removal equipment like shovels and salt ready to keep paths and walkways clear.

 Remember that the timing of these tasks can vary based on the specific weather conditions and plant types in your garden. Always consult local resources or give us a call to help winterize your garden.