Mulching your garden is like wrapping your plants in a cozy blanket. By adding a layer of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and trees, you help insulate their roots and protect the soil from freezing. It also keeps the soil from washing away during rain or snow. Mulching now will give your plants the extra warmth they need during the cold months ahead.
If you have empty garden beds, consider planting cover crops like clover or rye. These plants provide protection for your soil over the winter and can help add important nutrients back into the ground. Cover crops are a great way to care for your garden while it rests, leaving your soil healthy and ready for new growth when spring arrives.
Before the ground freezes, treat your plants to one last deep watering. A good drink now will help keep their roots hydrated and healthy through the winter months, especially if the soil gets dry.
If you have delicate or tender plants that might struggle with the cold, it’s time to give them a little extra protection. Wrapping them in burlap or covering them with frost blankets will help shield them from harsh winds and freezing temperatures. And for potted plants, bring them indoors or move them to a sheltered.
