Winterize Your Garden

The Essential End-of-Season Checklist

As the growing season winds down, a little time spent preparing your garden for winter can make a big difference come spring. From tidying perennials to protecting your tools and containers, these simple steps will help your garden rest easy through the cold months and emerge stronger next year.

1. Cut Back Perennials and Clean Up Beds

Start by trimming back spent perennials to a few inches above the ground. Remove diseased or insect-damaged foliage, but leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Clear away annuals and fallen leaves to prevent mold and overwintering pests.

2. Enrich the Soil

Once beds are cleared, spread a layer of compost or aged manure to feed the soil over winter. This gives beneficial microbes time to break down organic matter and improve structure before spring planting. We recommend using Coast of Maine Compost or Espoma Organic Land & Sea for nutrient-rich results.

3. Mulch for Warmth and Protection

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of perennials, shrubs, and young trees. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, prevents frost heave, and reduces erosion. Try Fafard Natural Cedar Mulch or Coast of Maine Dark Bark Mulch for long-lasting coverage and a clean, finished look.

4. Protect Pots and Tender Plants

Empty any terra cotta or ceramic pots that can crack from freezing moisture. Store them in a shed or garage, or wrap with burlap for insulation if left outside. Burlap also works well to shield evergreen shrubs from drying winter winds—especially boxwoods, rhododendrons, and young arborvitae.

5. Drain and Store Hoses and Tools

Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then store them coiled and out of the cold. Turn off outdoor faucets and blow out irrigation lines to prevent freezing. Clean and oil garden tools before storing to keep them rust-free and ready for spring.

6. Check Your Trees and Shrubs

Late fall is a good time to inspect for damaged branches or loose stakes. Prune broken limbs and secure newly planted trees with soft ties to keep them stable through winter storms.

Your Free Printable Checklist

Stop by the garden center for a free printable Winter Garden Checklist, and make sure no task gets overlooked as you tuck your garden in for the season.

You’ll find everything you need for winter prep at Sixteen Acres Garden Center—from compost and mulch to burlap wraps and soil care products. Visit us at 1359 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119, or call (413) 783-5883 for expert advice and seasonal supplies.

Download the Sixteen Acres Garden Center app here: https://16acresgardencenter.com/16-acres-app/