Many gardeners often have a specific clean-up routine they follow or a list of tasks to complete before winter. Putting in the time and effort in autumn means less work in spring, and also helps protect your plants from winter weather damage.
Consider the needs of your garden before embarking on late season clean up, to make sure you prioritize important tasks. We consulted with an expert who gave us some tips on winter prep in the garden. David McCary of Seattle Sustainable Landscapes says the first thing to do is figure out the specific needs of your plants, climate, and garden.
Read on to find out which gardening tasks you need to complete before the first winter frost.
Divide Perennials
Autumn is the best time to divide spring and summer-blooming perennials. Waiting until spring to divide them increases the possibility that the young growth might be damaged when you divide them, which can affect the plant's appearance the entire season.
This is especially true of leafy plants like hostas, which need special care in the fall. If you have the time, divide your perennials in autumn so they will form new growth after the dormancy of winter and have a fresh start in spring.
Consider Mulch
Some gardeners choose to mulch at the end of the season, while some prefer to mulch only in spring.
"Mulching is a wonderful way to add nutrients to the soil and add a protective barrier that helps mitigate harsh temperature changes. It is like insulation for your plant's roots," McCary says.
Natural, undyed mulches are best as they break down and add nutrients; some mulch mixtures contain compost. Although you can add mulch over fallen leaves, don't add too much material so the plants get suffocated at the base, McCary explains. A light layer of mulch offers sufficient winter protection for most plants and shrubs. Recently planted shrubs or trees might benefit from an extra inch or two of mulch.
Check Irrigation Systems
If you use an irrigation system for your lawn or garden, you'll want to take special care to prepare it before cold temperatures arrive. McCary says it's important to winterize your irrigation system to ensure no damage occurs during the winter months. This can include exposure of parts to winter weather or salt damage, undrained water freezing that may damage hoses, and other potential hazards.
Care for Mature Trees
Though deciduous trees enter a state of dormancy in winter, making sure they're in healthy condition ensures they will be in good shape come spring. If there are exposed roots, add some soil and a light layer of mulch to protect them. Prune off any damaged or diseased branches.
If you've had a particularly dry summer, water your mature trees regularly in autumn, as this will help protect them from damage caused when dry soil freezes around the roots.
Consider Wildlife
Before cutting back all of your plants or shrubs, McCary says to consider the wildlife. Many gardeners often prefer to do a thorough deadheading of perennials. However, many seed-bearing annual and perennial flowers provide important autumn and winter food for birds.
Consider leaving some flowers intact for the birds, including coneflowers, sunflowers, rosehips, tall phlox, asters, marigolds, black-eyed Susans, Joe Pye weed, cosmos, globe thistles, and sedums.
Clean Tools
Give your garden tools a good end-of-season conditioning. At the very minimum, clean them of dirt and debris, and oil any metal blades to prevent rust damage. You can wait until spring to do any sharpening. Store your tools away from extreme temperatures and moisture if possible.
Leave Plants Intact for Winter Interest
Waiting until spring to deadhead or shear some of your perennials not only provides some seeds for birds but can add some sculptural winter interest to your winter garden landscape. Sturdy plants like globe thistle, tall phlox, larger upright sedums, and asters provide a bit of visual texture and beauty to the garden during the snowy, icy days of winter.
Be sure to deadhead or clean the plants up early in spring to make way for the new spring growth.
