Assess and clean up

0 / 5

• Identify which plants need winter protection based on hardiness zone
• Remove dead or diseased foliage
• Clear fallen leaves from garden beds
• Weed beds before the ground freezes
• Take photos of the garden layout for spring reference

Protecting plants

0 / 5

• Mulch around the base of perennials to insulate roots
• Wrap tender shrubs or trees in burlap
• Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered spot
• Cut back perennials to a few inches above the ground
• Cover tender plants with frost cloth before the first freeze

Watering and soil

0 / 5

• Water plants well before the first hard frost
• Stop fertilizing to let plants go dormant
• Drain and store garden hoses
• Shut off outdoor water spigots to prevent freezing
• Add a fresh layer of compost for spring

Tools and structures

0 / 5

• Clean and store garden tools for winter
• Bring in or cover garden furniture and decor
• Check that greenhouse or cold frame seals are intact
• Store bulbs that need to overwinter indoors
• Plan next year's garden layout while it's fresh in mind