Cold weather can be tough on gardens and lawns. Understanding what your plants need, protecting them from harsh conditions, and preparing your lawn and garden for spring helps. From managing soil conditions to removing dead leaves that cause brown patches, we asked the pros and they reported back with these simple tips that'll set you up for success, no matter how low the temperature drops in the last few weeks of winter.

1. Pay Attention to Temperature, Soil, and Overall Moisture

"Plants can only tolerate certain temperature ranges, so it's important to find out what will thrive and jive in your garden," shares Marc Mayer, TruGreen’s director of technical operations. "The USDA Hardiness Zone map is a useful tool to determine the hardiness zone for your area. This will allow you to match up the right plants for your climate."

Selecting plants suited to your region will help them grow stronger and last longer through fluctuating temperatures. Keep an eye on soil moisture—too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can leave plants struggling to survive.

An aerial view of a house and front yard during the winter.
Your lawn may not look its best in January, but weigh your options. Credit: Gerville / Getty Images

2. Plan Your Garden's Location

"Remove any perennial weeds or debris that exposes your plot, and then add a layer of compost, leaves, and manure for soil nutrients," recommends Mayer.

A well-thought-out location can make a big difference in how your plants handle winter. Consider placing your garden where it gets ample sunlight and some protection from harsh winds. Raised beds or mulching can also help regulate soil temperature and moisture.

3. Protect Your Home From Insects and Outdoor Pests

"While insect pests won’t be as much of an issue during the cold weather, furry pests can do quite a bit of damage as they forage for food," reminds Mayer. "Consider a perimeter of 1/4”-1/2” wire mesh 12” high around your garden to keep the local wildlife from grabbing a free meal."

Rodents and other small animals may seek shelter in your garden, chewing on bark, digging up plant roots, or eating leftover produce. Regularly inspecting your garden and sealing entry points around your home can help with pest control.

4. Know What Plants Thrive During the Coldest Months

Mayer adds, "Radishes grow fast for quick picking, planting, and re-harvesting; rainbow chard grows quickly to be cut when you need it and produces all season long; sweet pea snaps require a bit more time but are healthy go-to snack; arugula requires flowers to be cut back, but the fresh green is worth the wait."

Now, this isn't advice for all planting zones, but if you live in a moderate climate, lack of sunlight will be the biggest factor in a successful garden. Many winter gardens can still be productive with the right plant choices. Many root vegetables, and certain other veggies can handle cold snaps, giving you fresh produce when other plants go dormant.

White mold growing on grass.
Fungal diseases can become more apparent in late winter as the snow melts. Credit: beekeepx / Getty Images

5. Watch Out for Snow Mold

"Extended periods of snow cover in the North can create the perfect conditions for snow mold to develop and spread," notes Mayer. "The damage can be most severe in areas where snow has piled or accumulated due to drift for extended periods of time."

To reduce the risk of fungal diseases in dormant grass, avoid adding to snow piles in one spot for too long. Raking leaves before winter and keeping your lawn well-aerated can also help prevent mold from forming when the snow melts.

Come springtime, you’ll know you have snow mold if you notice the following signs:

  • Straw-colored circular patches ranging in size from a few inches to several feet across
  • Grass patches that are matted down and crusty
  • Gray snow mold will have a grayish-white appearance
  • Pink snow mold will have a whitish-pink appearance

An aerial view of a house and front yard during the winter.
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6. Get Raking

Keep your lawn clean after storms. "If you are located further South, you should remove fallen leaves, sticks, twigs and other debris to improve air circulation in your lawn to ensure healthy, green grass come spring," shares Mayer.

Debris like wet leaves can trap moisture, leading to fungal growth or patchy, unhealthy grass root growth. Clearing the healthy lawn regularly during the winter months allows more sunlight and airflow, and helps it recover faster during the warmer months.

raking moss out of a lawn to improve its health.
From dethatching to raking sticks, there are easy ways to get your lawn ready for warmer weather. Credit: grahamphoto23

7. Be Careful When You Clean Snow

"To help prevent damage to your plants and turf caused by snow plows or snow blowers, place brightly colored boundary markers along the edges of your paved areas," suggests Mayer. "Be mindful not to use any heavy metal, fence posts or other large objects to avoid creating a hazard for the snowplow operators."

Taking proper care when clearing snow can prevent damage to delicate plants and grass blades. Opt to hand-shovel where necessary, even when it's several inches of snow.

8. Avoid Using Too Much Salt

"If you are using salt on driveways and sidewalks to melt ice during colder months, avoid applying too much or it can contaminate the soil and cause dead grass and tree and plant damage," shares Mayer. "Once temperatures increase and the snow and ice disappear, evaluate areas along curbs, sidewalks and driveways for damage."

Consider alternatives like sand or calcium magnesium acetate, which result in less soil compaction and are less damaging to vegetation.