Winter Lawn Tips

How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter

As it gets colder, it comes time to prepare your garden for winter. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your garden remains healthy and ready to flourish come spring.

Clean Up Debris – Begin by removing dead plants, fallen leaves, and other debris from your garden beds. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and causing issues in the spring. You can compost healthy plant material to enrich your soil later.

Mulch – Apply a layer of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and trees. Mulch acts as an insulator, protecting roots from colder temperatures. It also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. We recommend Jeffries Recover Mulch as not only will it serve the functions highlighted here but also contains Blood and Bone to give your garden an extra nutrient boost going into Winter.

Protect Young Trees and Shrubs – Wrap young trees with tree guards to protect them from frost and hungry wildlife. For shrubs, consider burlap screens to shield them from wind.

Prune Strategically – Prune dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. However, avoid heavy pruning as it can stimulate new growth that may not survive the winter. Save major pruning for late winter or early spring when plants are dormant.

Care for Tools and Equipment – Clean and store your garden tools to prevent rust. Drain fuel from lawnmowers and other equipment. Sharpen blades and oil moving parts to ensure everything is ready for the next growing season.

Plan for Next Season – Reflect on what worked well and what didn’t in your garden this year. Make notes and plans for improvements. Ordering seeds and planning your spring garden now can provide a bright spot for gardening fun during cold winter.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only protect your garden during the winter but also set the stage for a healthy and vibrant spring garden. Happy gardening!