As the wind starts to blow cold air and mornings are frost-filled, it’s a sign to look to your plants and garden areas to prepare and protect them for the changing of seasons. We’ll review five ways to make sure your plants and garden survive the cold and greet you again in the spring. Through careful preparation, your plants and herbs will thank you. It’s also the last chance to harvest those final bits before spring—maintenance, harvesting, grow planning, repotting, and taking inventory
1. Do a Final Harvest and Clean-Up
Before the first hard frost settles in, walk through your garden and gather any remaining herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Many plants—especially tender herbs like basil, parsley, and mint—will not survive freezing temperatures. Use this time to clip and store what you can for winter cooking or drying.
Cleaning up spent plants is equally important. Remove dead annuals, diseased leaves, and any plant debris that may harbor pests over winter. A tidy garden reduces disease pressure in spring and helps give new plants a clean start.
Helpful products:
- Fiskars Folding Knife for Harvesting – great for slicing herbs and veggies cleanly.
- Garden Gorilla Tub – a flexible, multipurpose tub perfect for collecting debris and green waste.
2. Protect Perennials and Shrubs With Mulch
Mulching is one of the best defenses your garden has against winter stress. A thick layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protect perennial roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Aim for 2–4 inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark, straw, or compost.
Delicate shrubs and young trees benefit from additional protection. Mounding mulch around the base can help safeguard tender roots, while wrapping trunks with tree guards prevents splitting and sunscald.
Helpful products:
- EZ-Straw Garden Mulch with Tack – easy to spread and ideal for insulating garden beds.
- Plant Covers Freeze Protection – lightweight frost covers that shield shrubs and perennials during freezing temperatures.
3. Repot and Bring Tender Plants Indoors
If you grow warm-season plants like citrus, rosemary, or tropical varieties (hibiscus, palms, or succulents), now is your last chance to repot and bring them inside. Examine each plant for pests before moving them indoors—treat any issues early to avoid indoor infestations.
Choose pots with good drainage and soil mixes appropriate for each plant. Indoor lighting also becomes important during winter, especially for herbs or plants that need bright conditions.
Helpful products:
- Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Potting Mix – formulated to reduce soil fungus and gnats.
- GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb – perfect for supplementing light for overwintering plants.
4. Prepare the Soil for Spring
Winter is a surprisingly good time to enrich your garden soil. After cleaning beds and applying mulch, take a few minutes to amend the soil with compost or slow-release fertilizers. As the material breaks down over the winter, nutrients will be ready and waiting for spring planting.
You can also perform a soil test before the ground freezes. This gives you time to balance soil pH and apply necessary minerals, setting your spring garden up for success.
Helpful products:
- Soil Savvy Soil Test Kit – provides an easy, mail-in analysis of soil health.
- True Organic All-Purpose Plant Food – improves soil quality through the winter months.
5. Take Inventory and Plan for Next Season
Winter garden prep isn’t only physical—it’s strategic. As you work through your garden, take notes: Which plants thrived? Which struggled? What pests did you deal with? What would you like to grow next spring?
This is also the perfect time to check tools for repairs, sharpen blades, and store equipment properly. Drain hoses, clean pots, and organize seeds so everything is ready to go once warm weather returns.
Many gardeners enjoy ordering seeds during the winter so they’re prepared long before spring fever hits.
Helpful products:
- Stanley 16-Inch Tool Box – great for keeping garden tools organized through the off-season.
- akaddy Seed Storage Organizer – keeps seed packets labeled and protected until spring.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your garden for winter ensures your plants survive the cold months and return healthier and stronger in the spring. From harvesting the last of your vegetables to mulching, repotting, improving soil, and planning ahead, each step helps maintain the long-term success of your garden.
As the frost settles in, take this opportunity to give your garden a little extra care. A few hours of prep now will reward you with a thriving, beautiful garden when the world warms again. Happy winter gardening!
