Preparing Your Garden for Winter
As the days grow shorter, it's time to tuck your garden in for the winter months.
2026-01-09
With the crispness in the air and leaves turning to gold, I can feel winter knocking at the door. This time of year, I find myself focusing on how to prepare my garden for the colder months ahead.
First, it’s essential to clean up any debris from your garden beds. Old plant material can harbor pests and diseases, so I make sure to remove any dead plants, weeds, and fallen leaves. A good raking not only tidies things up but also helps prevent problems come spring.
Next, I like to amend my soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure now can give your soil a nutrient boost that will be ready for planting when the warmer weather returns. Just spread a layer over your garden beds and lightly mix it in.
Don’t forget about protecting your perennials! A thick layer of mulch can insulate the roots and keep them safe from the frost. I use straw or shredded leaves, which not only help with insulation but also break down over time to enrich the soil.
If you have any tender plants that won’t survive frost, it’s wise to dig them up and bring them indoors or into a greenhouse if you have one. I’ve found that potting them up makes it easier to care for them until spring.
Lastly, take a moment to plan for next year. I like to jot down notes on what worked well and what didn’t, so I can make thoughtful choices when spring rolls around again. It’s a small step, but it helps keep my gardening journey on track.
As you wrap up your gardening for the season, remember that each effort you make now lays the groundwork for a fruitful spring. If you’re looking for more local resources or services to help with your garden preparations, consider checking out nearby farms or gardening services in your area.