WINTER GARDEN
TASKS

Taking care of a few winter tasks in the garden is important for plant health, pest prevention, and preparation for spring. Tasks such as pruning and mulching promote plant vigor and reduce the risk of disease, inspecting for pests and diseases allows for early intervention, and preparing tools and equipment ensures efficiency when gardening resumes. Additionally, providing food, water, and shelter for wildlife can be critical in supporting biodiversity. Here is a comprehensive list to consider for your garden in winter.

Clean Up & General Maintenance

Winter cleanup creates a healthier garden by reducing the pests and diseases that thrive in cool, damp conditions. Light tidying keeps beds accessible and prepares the garden for early spring growth.

Remove fallen leaves and debris from pathways, patios, and beds to reduce pests and rot
Remove any annuals or vegetables that have fully died back
Tidy collapsed herbaceous perennials (keep stems with seedheads for wildlife if desired)
Cut back ornamental grasses if they’ve been flattened; otherwise wait until early spring
Pull winter weeds before they establish deep roots
Pick up storm debris, fallen branches, and broken stems after wind or snow events
Check drainage areas for blockages and clear standing water

Pruning & Cutting Back

Dormant-season pruning helps shape plants, improve structure, and remove damaged or diseased wood. Winter is also the ideal time to prepare fruit trees and summer-blooming shrubs for vigorous spring growth.

Prune fruit trees (apple, pear, plum) while dormant
Prune roses lightly; structural pruning waits until late winter/early spring
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood from shrubs and trees
Prune summer-blooming shrubs (hydrangea paniculata, spirea, potentilla) in late winter
Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs until after they flower
Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses late winter
Trim back ferns only once new fiddleheads begin to emerge (late winter–early spring)

Protecting Plants From Cold

Cold protection helps plants tolerate freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and fluctuating winter conditions. Small steps such as mulching or sheltering containers can prevent winter injury.

Add mulch around the base of perennials and shrubs to insulate roots
Wrap sensitive shrubs (like young broadleaf evergreens) with burlap in exposed locations
Protect graft unions on roses with mulch
Move containers to sheltered areas or group them together for insulation
Water evergreen plants during dry winter spells when daytime temps are above freezing
Brush heavy snow off conifers and shrubs; avoid knocking ice off branches

Soil Care & Preparation

Winter is an excellent time to build soil health because natural freeze–thaw cycles help break down compost and amendments. Maintaining soil structure now sets the stage for strong spring planting.

Add compost to empty beds to enrich soil and improve structure
Apply organic mulch to protect soil surface, moderate temperature swings, and reduce winter weed growth
Test soil pH and nutrients to determine amendments needed for spring
Avoid walking on wet or frozen beds to prevent compaction
Top-dress around perennials and shrubs to build fertility before new growth begins

Perennials, Shrubs & Trees

Winter offers a chance to monitor woody plants and emerging perennials for seasonal stress or damage. Simple tasks now help maintain plant health and support growth as temperatures warm.

Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, or trees during mild winter periods to promote strong root establishment
Check tree stakes and ties, loosening or removing them as plants mature
Inspect branches for winter damage and remove any broken or weakened growth
Cut back old hellebore foliage in late winter to showcase emerging blooms
Monitor evergreens for signs of winter burn and water during dry spells
Evaluate plant structure and note any pruning or shaping needed in early spring

Vegetable & Cutting Garden

The quiet winter months are ideal for refreshing tools, organizing supplies, and planning next season’s crops. Early seed starting and bed preparation help ensure a smooth transition into spring.

Clean and sharpen pruners, loppers, shovels, and hori-hori knives
Sanitize pots, trays, and tools
Plan crop rotation and layout for spring vegetables
Start seeds indoors for slow growers (leeks, onions, artichokes)
Order seeds before popular varieties sell out
Add compost to vegetable beds and cover with mulch
Harvest winter crops such as kale, chard, leeks, carrots, parsnips

Wildlife & Pollinator Support

Supporting wildlife in winter provides vital resources during the season of scarcity. Maintaining habitat areas and keeping feeders clean helps birds and beneficial insects thrive.

Leave some seedheads for birds (coneflowers, rudbeckia, grasses)
Clean birdbaths and keep them ice-free
Refill suet and seed feeders regularly
Create brush piles for overwintering wildlife
Avoid heavy cleanup in areas used by native bees and beneficial insects

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Hard Goods, Structures & Irrigation

Winter is the perfect time to inspect and repair garden structures while plant growth is dormant. Maintaining irrigation, trellises, and greenhouses now prevents problems during the busy growing season.

Turn off and drain irrigation systems
Disconnect hoses and store them indoors or sheltered
Inspect trellises, raised beds, and fences for needed repairs
Ensure greenhouse heaters and fans are functioning properly
Wash cold frames and greenhouse panels to maximize winter light

Planning, Design & Organization

Winter offers a natural pause to reflect on the past season and plan improvements. Organizing seeds, supplies, and design ideas now makes the spring garden more intentional and efficient.