Preparing Your Garden for Winter

As the vivid and vibrant colors of autumn slowly fade away and the cold winter months approach, it is essential to start preparing your garden for the upcoming colder weather. Winterizing your garden is crucial to ensure your plants survive the harsh conditions and bloom into a healthy and lush garden come spring. Our team at Rich-Way Landscape understands the importance of protecting your garden against winter’s harsh elements, so we have compiled a list of steps to help you winterize your garden effectively. Remember, we are always here to help if you have any issues. 

Clean Up Your Garden 

One of the essential steps in maintaining a healthy and beautiful garden is to begin by thoroughly clearing the space of debris. Fallen leaves, spent annuals, and dead twigs or branches can accumulate over time, and not only do they detract from the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but they can also create a perfect haven for pests and diseases to thrive in decaying plant matter. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate any debris present in the garden to ensure a clean and healthy environment for your plants to grow come spring. 

Mulch Your Perennials 

Perennial plants can come back year after year if they can withstand the weather conditions. You can look at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to check if your perennial plant is hardy enough for your area. Hardy plants don’t require much preparation for spring, but if you live in Memphis and we end up experiencing a lot of freezing and thawing, be cautious of frost heaving. This is when the soil pushes plants out of the ground, particularly new plants that still need to establish a robust root system. To prevent this, add a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or chopped-up leaves, around your perennials once the ground has frozen. This will help regulate the soil temperature, especially since Memphis does not always have snow cover. 

Pamper Trees and Shrubs 

Your trees and shrubs will have an easier time getting through winter if you ensure they are in good shape. For both evergreen and deciduous species, one of the most important things you can do is to give them plenty of water before the ground freezes, especially if autumn has been dry. After the ground freezes, spread organic material around the trees or shrubs, such as more chopped leaves, up to 6 inches thick. This helps keep moisture in the soil, like treating perennials, as plants need water even during winter. Plus, it also protects roots from freezing and thawing. Next, trim away damaged or diseased limbs to prevent snow and wind from worsening these problems. For young evergreens in exposed locations, shield them from drying winter wind with burlap screens or shade cloth shelters. 

Consider Bringing Certain Plants Indoors 

If you have plants that are sensitive or already in containers, it is important to take extra care of them during colder months. Investing in a cute plant stand and moving them indoors is a great way to do this. This will keep them safe from the cold and add a cozy touch to your living space. 

If you have a mischievous pet, like a cat, that likes to play with plants, make sure to cover them up with a protective layer. This will keep your plants safe and your pet happy. 

For the best results, consider setting up a greenhouse or a garage with plenty of light as the ideal spot for your plants. This will ensure they stay healthy and continue to thrive even in the colder months. You can also add an extra layer of insulation by covering them with frost cloth, which will provide an added layer of protection from frigid temperatures. 

Drain and Store Irrigation Systems 

As the colder months approach, taking proper precautions to protect your irrigation system from freezing and bursting is essential. To do so, it is vital to fully drain the system of any remaining water. Additionally, storing your hoses indoors and in a coiled position is recommended, keeping them off the cold ground until you need them to water your trees and shrubs, then returning them inside. This not only helps to prevent freezing but also extends the lifespan of your hoses. These simple steps ensure that your irrigation system stays in good condition and is ready to use when needed. 

Dig Up Annual Bulbs 

If you have purchased tender plant bulbs, you are likely fond of them. So why waste money when you can dig up and replant them in the Spring? Tender plants such as dahlias, tuberous begonias, and other tropical bulbs can be dug up from your garden. After removing all the dead foliage, let them dry out before storing them. You can pack the bulbs in cardboard boxes and use newspapers to prevent them from drying out or rotting. Store them out of sight, preferably on a shelf in a basement or garage. 

Expert Gardeners Near Me 

Preparing a garden and yard for winter can be a daunting task. Rich-Way Landscape understands this and offers professional winterization services customized to meet your garden’s unique needs. Our experienced gardeners have the knowledge and tools to safeguard your plants effectively. By entrusting us with your winterization needs, you can rest assured that your plants are in expert hands. We are passionate about gardening and deeply understand plant care. Choosing Rich-Way Landscape for your winterization needs means choosing excellence. We take pride in our attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to customer satisfaction. With our help, your yard and garden will survive winter and thrive, ready to bloom in the Spring with renewed vitality. Please contact us at (901) 853-9590 to schedule your winterization appointment.