How to Winterize Your Garden: Protecting Perennials and Shrubs

As the cold weather approaches, it's essential to start thinking about how to prepare your garden for winter. Properly winterizing your perennials and shrubs can make all the difference in ensuring they survive the winter and thrive come spring. Follow these steps to protect your plants from freezing temperatures, frost damage, and harsh winter winds.

Clean Up Your Garden Beds

Before winter sets in, remove dead plant material and debris from your garden beds. This helps prevent diseases, pests, and mold from overwintering in your garden. Be sure to pull out annuals and cut back any perennials that need pruning, leaving about 2-3 inches of stem above the ground.

Add a Layer of Mulch

One of the most important steps in protecting your plants during the winter is applying a thick layer of mulch. Mulch acts as insulation, helping to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Spread 2-4 inches of mulch around the base of your perennials and shrubs to shield the roots from extreme cold. You can use shredded leaves, bark mulch, or straw for this task.

Water Before the Ground Freezes

While it may seem counterintuitive to water before winter, ensuring your garden is properly hydrated before the ground freezes is crucial. Plants, especially evergreens, can suffer from dehydration in winter, so give them a deep watering in late fall. This extra moisture will help them endure the cold, dry winter months.

Wrap Shrubs and Delicate Plants

For more sensitive shrubs and young trees, consider wrapping them with burlap or garden fabric to protect them from frost, windburn, and freezing temperatures. This is especially important for shrubs like boxwoods, roses, and hydrangeas, which can be more vulnerable to winter damage. Make sure the wrap is loose to allow for air circulation, but secure it enough to stay in place through winter storms.

Use Tree Guards to Prevent Damage

Protect the trunks of your trees from potential damage caused by rodents and deer by using tree guards. These protective wraps can prevent animals from chewing on the bark during winter when food sources are scarce. Install the tree guards in late fall and remove them in early spring when temperatures start to warm up.

Protect Potted Perennials

If you have perennials in pots, they are more susceptible to freezing because their roots are above ground and exposed to colder temperatures. Move potted perennials to a sheltered area, like a garage or shed, or bury the pots in the ground for added insulation.

Avoid Fertilizing Late in the Season

While it may be tempting to feed your plants one last time before winter, it's best to avoid fertilizing late in the season. Fertilizing encourages new growth, which is particularly vulnerable to frost damage. Instead, focus on adding compost or organic matter to the soil, which will break down over winter and improve soil health in spring.

Plan Ahead for Snow

If heavy snowfalls are common in your area, consider how snow buildup might affect your plants. Gently brush snow off branches of shrubs to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight. Avoid using de-icing salts near your garden beds, as they can leach into the soil and harm your plants.

Be Patient in Spring

Once winter ends, resist the urge to remove mulch or wraps too early in the season. Spring weather can be unpredictable, with warm spells followed by late frosts. Wait until the risk of frost has passed before uncovering your plants to prevent damage to new growth.

By taking these steps to winterize your garden, you'll ensure that your perennials and shrubs are well-protected during the cold months, setting them up for a successful and vibrant growing season in the spring.

If you need any supplies or advice on winterizing your garden, reach out to Baker's Ace Hardware in Monroe, MI! Our expert staff can help you choose the right products to keep your garden healthy and beautiful year-round.