As the temperatures start to drop and the first frost nears, it's time to prepare your garden for winter. Proper preparation ensures that your plants are well-protected during the cold months and ready to thrive when spring arrives. Here’s a guide on what to prune, cover, and protect in your garden before the frost sets in.

Prune Dead and Diseased Growth One of the most important tasks to tackle before winter is pruning. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged plants. Pruning not only improves the appearance of your garden but also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Be sure to trim back perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees, leaving enough growth to protect them during the cold months. While pruning late in the season can be a good idea for many plants, it’s best to avoid cutting back spring-blooming shrubs until after they’ve flowered to ensure next season’s blooms.

Cover Vulnerable Plants Winter can be harsh on tender plants, but you can protect them with proper covering. Consider using frost cloths, burlap, or even old sheets to cover plants that are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. If you have a vegetable garden, frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce can be shielded with row covers. For perennials, a thick layer of mulch around the base can help insulate their roots and prevent frost damage.

Protecting Your Garden Tools and Equipment Don’t forget to care for your gardening tools and equipment! Before putting them away for the winter, clean them thoroughly to remove soil and plant residue. Sharpen blades, oil metal parts to prevent rust, and store tools in a dry location. Proper maintenance will ensure they are ready for use when spring rolls around.

Wrap Trees and Shrubs Certain trees and shrubs, particularly young or newly planted ones, benefit from a protective layer of burlap or tree wraps to prevent damage from winter winds, frost cracks, or animal nibbling. Wrapping the base of trees and shrubs with a breathable material helps insulate them and keeps them safe during the cold months.

Prepare Your Lawn for Winter While your lawn may appear to be going dormant, it still needs some attention. Mow your grass one last time before the first frost, but don’t cut it too short. Leave it slightly longer to help insulate the roots. Aerating your lawn before the ground freezes allows water and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Fertilizing in late fall can also boost the overall health of your lawn.

By taking these steps to prune, cover, and protect your plants, you’re ensuring they’ll survive the winter and be ready to flourish come spring. With the right care, your garden will thrive season after season.