Important Items for Your Winter Garden Checklist

As summer fades into fall, gardeners face the annual task of preparing their outdoor spaces for winter. The transition can happen quickly, with gardens shifting from warm, late-summer blooms to chilly, rainy days in the blink of an eye. To ensure your garden thrives next spring, it’s essential to complete some key tasks now.

Preparing your garden for winter may seem daunting, but with this winter garden checklist, you’ll have everything you need to protect your plants, tools, and soil during the colder months. Join Tricia in our video as she walks through her tried-and-true seasonal routine for winter garden preparation.

1. Irrigation Maintenance

Before freezing temperatures arrive, take the time to properly shut down your irrigation system. This simple step can save you from costly repairs in the spring.

• Turn Off and Drain Lines: Shut off your irrigation system and drain any remaining water from the pipes to prevent freezing and cracking.
• Wrap Exposed Pipes: Protect above-ground pipes with insulation or pipe wrap.
• Store Hoses: Disconnect hoses, drain them thoroughly, and coil them neatly for storage indoors.

For more detailed instructions, check out our Irrigation Maintenance video for step-by-step guidance.

2. Tool Care and Storage

Your gardening tools are essential for maintaining a healthy garden, so taking care of them during the off-season is crucial.

• Sharpen Metal Tools: Sharpen pruners, shovels, and other metal tools now or during the quieter winter months.
• Oil Wooden Handles: Protect wooden handles from cracking by applying a light coat of linseed oil.
• Clean and Store: Wipe off dirt and rust, then store tools in a dry, indoor location to prevent corrosion.

Learn how to care for your tools in our Sharpening Tools video for tips and techniques.

3. Store Liquids

Fertilizers, pesticides, and other garden products often have specific storage requirements to prevent freezing and degradation.

• Check Labels: Read the labels on your garden products to determine if they need indoor storage.
• Organize Your Shed: Remove any liquids that could freeze, and store them in a temperature-controlled space, like a basement or garage.

Proper storage ensures these products remain effective and safe to use next season.

4. Orchard Protection and Sanitation

Fruit trees require special attention in the fall to protect them from pests, diseases, and weather-related damage.

• Wrap Young Trees: Use spiral tree guards to shield young, thin-barked trees from sunscald and temperature fluctuations.
• Protect from Wildlife: If rabbits or deer are an issue, extend the tree guards to cover the lower trunks and deter nibbling.
• Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Remove any fruit left on the ground to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.

Watch our Codling Moth Prevention and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) videos to understand why this cleanup is so vital.

5. Vegetable Beds

Preparing your vegetable garden for winter not only keeps it tidy but also sets the stage for a productive spring planting.

• Remove Dead Plants: Clear out dead annual vegetables, and compost them if they’re disease-free.
• Cut Back Perennials: Trim back perennial vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb according to specific care guidelines.
• Plan for Spring: Use this time to add soil amendments or plan crop rotations for next year’s garden.

Our Fall Perennial Vegetable Care video offers detailed advice for handling your vegetable beds.

6. Feed and Protect Your Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any thriving garden, and fall is the perfect time to give it some extra care.

• Spread Compost: Apply 1–2 inches of compost around perennials, shrubs, and trees to revitalize soil microorganisms and add nutrients.
• Mulch: Add a thin layer of mulch to protect the soil from temperature fluctuations and minimize erosion. Avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or plant stems, as this can lead to rot.

This simple step will help your plants weather the winter and emerge strong in the spring.

7. Enjoy the "Fifth Season"

Once your garden is tucked in for the winter, it’s time to embrace what some gardeners call the "Fifth Season." Use this quieter time to:

• Read gardening books and plan for next year’s garden.
• Order seeds and supplies early to get the best selection.
• Reflect on what worked well this year and what could be improved in your gardening practices.

Winter is a wonderful opportunity to dream big and prepare for the vibrant growth of spring.

Why Winter Garden Prep Matters

Preparing your garden for winter is about more than just tidying up. It protects your plants, soil, and tools from the challenges of cold weather, setting the stage for a healthy and productive growing season. By completing this winter garden checklist, you’ll reduce the risk of pests and diseases, protect your investments, and ensure your garden is ready to thrive.

From proper irrigation shutdown to soil care and orchard protection, each step contributes to a more resilient and flourishing garden.