Just because the weather is about to turn, doesn’t mean you have to hang up your rake and hoe for the winter. Most typically plants that are dormant during the winter months, like conifers have adapted well to cold weather and will not need any protection to come back in the spring.

But many of us have more than just conifers in their gardens, so we have compiled some tips and techniques for gardeners to prevent their plants from perishing during the cold months ahead.

Frozen, wet soil is a primary killer of your plants, once those roots freeze, that’s it for most of them unless they are well established. To help your plants survive the cold winter months, dig organic matter and grit into the garden, like sand, rocks or bark to improve drainage. The well- drained soil will warm faster in the spring.

Well-drained soils will also warm faster in spring.

Cold wind is also a killer.
            Wind dries plants out and when the ground is frozen roots cannot replace lost moisture from the soil. Providing windbreaks will protect plants by providing a barrier to slow the wind. Commercial cloths are very effective, but they aren’t pretty. Hedges and trellis or fences will also filter and protect them from winter winds.

Mulch! Mulch! Mulch!

Lay a thick layer of mulch over your garden or sensitive plants to help add organic matter to the soil and protect any remaining plants from hard freezes, root heaving and other winter damage. Most sources suggest this mulch should be at least four inches thick.