As the gardening season winds down and colder weather rolls in, vegetable garden beds can start to look tired. Garden winterization might not be high on your checklist, but setting up a winter garden is a smart way to protect your space and get ready for the next growing season. By caring for soil, plants, and tools now, you set yourself up for strong growth when warm weather returns.

Take care of your remaining annual plants on cold nights. Protect and fertilize perennials. Winterize raised beds by removing dead plants and other debris, and add a layer of compost. Put all your garden accessories and planters away for the winter months, too.

Check the following items off your to-do list, and you'll be in great shape in the spring:

1. Harvest Remaining Fruits and Vegetables

  • Gather any remaining fruits and vegetables that are intolerant of light frost.
  • You can leave hardy vegetables, like root vegetables, for the time being.
Tomatillos harvested in a basket next to the kitchen sink.
Tomatillos continue to produce fruit into mid/late-fall, and the first frost will kill any fruit remaining on the plant. Credit: Emily Fazio

2. Remove Debris

  • Clear out plant debris, including fallen leaves and dead plant material. There may already be beneficial insects hibernating in this plant matter, but if you rake it into a neat pile, you can prevent it from affecting the larger area of the garden.
  • It's also the perfect time to remove any weed growth. This will help prevent weed seeds from overwintering and becoming a problem in the spring.

3. Prune and Trim

  • Trim back perennial herbs so they stick up a few inches above the garden soil.
  • Remove dead or yellowing foliage from plants to encourage healthy plant growth in the spring.

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4. Take Care of the Soil

  • Prioritize healthy soil. Conduct a soil test to assess your garden soil's nutrient levels and pH.
  • Add organic matter, such as compost, bone meal, organic fertilizers, or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and add vital nutrients.
  • Mulch the soil surface with a layer of organic material, like a layer of mulch, pine needles, or shredded leaves. It can help insulate the soil and prevent erosion.

5. Protect Perennials

  • Add mulch that's a few inches deep around the base of perennial vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb to insulate them from the cold.
  • Consider adding extra protection around root crops like carrots and beets to keep the rich soil and plants warm.
Healthy garlic grows through thick leaf mulch in the spring.
Healthy garlic grows through thick leaf mulch in the spring. Credit: Emily Fazio

6. Cover Cold-Sensitive Plants

  • Row covers and cold frames help shield vegetable plants from winter temperatures. A simple floating row cover can block frost while still allowing light and moisture through.
  • Cold frames, made from clear panels set over a frame, create a warmer pocket of air that protects plants from sudden cold snaps.

7. Add Cover Crops

  • Consider planting cover crops like winter rye or clover for soil enrichment and winter protection during cold temperatures.
  • Cover crops also help prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.

8. Clean and Store Garden Tools

  • Clean your gardening tools before storing them for the winter.
  • Lubricate metal parts to prevent rusting.

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9. Empty and Store Containers

  • Empty containers and hanging baskets to prevent them from cracking in freezing temperatures.
  • Store planters and other containers in a sheltered area, or cover them with burlap to protect them during the colder months.

10. Winterize Irrigation System

  • Drain and winterize your irrigation system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • Disconnect and store hoses in a protected area.

11. Care for Trees and Shrubs

Landscape plants benefit from extra protection during winter weather. 

  • Wrap young trunks with tree wrap to reduce frost damage and stop rodents from chewing the bark.
  • Add mulch around the base to help soil moisture remain steady through cold temperatures.
  • Pruning weak or broken branches can also prevent winter damage from heavy snow and ice.

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FAQ

How do cover crops help during winter?

A winter cover crop protects soil structure, adds organic matter, and reduces weed growth. As it breaks down, it improves soil nutrients for spring planting.

Can potted plants stay outside in winter?

Potted plants are more exposed to cold injury because their roots lack insulation. Move them to a sheltered area, group them together, or wrap them with plant protection materials like burlap or frost cloth.

Colorful potted plants.
We bring our potted plants in when overnight temperatures begin to tip towards freezing. Credit: Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images

What’s the best way to prevent winter damage to garden plants?

Use mulch around roots, row covers over tender crops, and cold frames for added frost protection. For landscape plants, tree wrap or chicken wire can reduce damage from both frost and wildlife.

When should I start preparing for the next planting season?

Garden prep often begins in late winter, depending on your hardiness zone. Start by checking soil pH with a soil testing kit, turning compost piles, and planning for crop rotation or raised garden beds.