10 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Flower Garden for Winter

We have three dogs.  This means that every Spring thaw, our rear lawn has been torn up into something resembling a WW1 battlefield.  Our only chance of maintaining any landscaping, is to plant and maintain decorative gardens around the border.  I thought I would share some pointers on how we get our garden ready for the winter.  Whether you’re nurturing perennials, bulbs, or container plants, these winter prep tips should help protect your blooms and set the stage for a vibrant spring.

1. Deadhead and Trim Strategically

Remove spent blooms and trim back perennials, but leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for winter interest and wildlife support.

2. Mulch for Insulation

Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around flower beds and shrubs after the first hard frost. This helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.

3. Divide and Transplant

Late fall is ideal for dividing crowded perennials like hostas, daylilies, and irises. Replant them with room to grow next season.

4. Plant Spring Bulbs

Get tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths into the ground before it freezes. Use bulb fertilizer and plant at proper depth for best results.

5. Protect Container Plants

Move pots indoors or into sheltered spots. Wrap containers with burlap or bubble wrap to prevent cracking and root damage.

6. Clean Up Leaves

Rake leaves off lawns and flower beds to prevent mold and smothering. Shred healthy leaves for mulch or compost.

7. Pest Patrol

Check for signs of pests or disease on plants and remove affected foliage. Clean up garden debris to reduce overwintering insect populations.

8. Water Deeply

Give shrubs and perennials a final deep watering before the ground freezes—especially evergreens and newly planted items.

9. Store Garden Gear

Clean and store tools, hoses, and watering cans. Drain irrigation systems and disconnect outdoor taps to avoid freezing damage.

10. Add Winter Interest

Leave seed heads, berries, and textured plants like sedum and coneflowers to feed birds and add beauty to your winter landscape.

If you have any additional tips please reach out!