Prepping Your Garden For Winter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Courtesy of Redwood Garden Center

Winter is just around the corner, and we all know that means cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and…prepping our beloved gardens! We at Redwood Garden Center understand the love you have for your plants, and we’re here to guide you through getting them winter-ready. Let’s dive right in!

1. Clean Up Time! Start by removing any dead plants, weeds, or debris. This not only prevents pests and diseases from overwintering but also gives your garden a neat appearance. Plus, you’ll have a clean slate come spring!

2. Prune and Protect Not all plants need pruning before winter, but for those that do, now’s the time. Remove dead or diseased branches and trim back perennials. Once done, wrap delicate shrubs in burlap to protect them from harsh winds and snow.

3. Mulch It Up Applying a thick layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature. Whether it’s straw, leaves, or wood chips, mulching also prevents pesky weeds from popping up in spring.

4. Water Wisely Even though it’s cold, your plants still need hydration. Water them thoroughly, especially evergreens and newly planted trees or shrubs. This ensures they have enough moisture to last through the dry winter months.

5. Protect Your Pots If you have potted plants, consider relocating them to a sheltered spot. Terracotta pots, in particular, can crack in freezing temperatures. If possible, move them indoors or wrap them in bubble wrap for added protection.

6. Veggie Bed Prep For our vegetable garden enthusiasts, enrich your soil by adding compost or manure. This gives it time to break down over winter, and you’ll have nutrient-rich soil ready for spring planting.

7. Lawn Care Give your lawn one last good mow, then aerate and apply a winter fertilizer. This strengthens the roots and ensures a lush, green lawn come spring.

8. Tool Time Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Store them in a dry place to prevent rusting. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when spring rolls around!

9. Plan Ahead While sipping on that hot cocoa, start planning for next year! Browse through seed catalogs, make a list of plants you’d like to add, and sketch out any design changes.

10. Enjoy the Beauty Lastly, set up bird feeders and baths. Not only do you get to enjoy the company of feathered friends, but they’ll also help keep pests in check.

There you have it! Your garden is now ready to face the chilly months ahead. Remember, every bit of care you provide now sets the stage for a blooming, beautiful garden come spring. And if you have any questions or need supplies, swing by Redwood Garden Center – we’re always here to help!

Happy gardening and stay warm!