When you feel the first frost, you should think about getting your raised bed garden ready for winter. A little garden care in late fall or early winter can keep the soil healthy and get you ready to plant in the spring when the weather gets warmer.
Keep reading for a to-do list for what to do with raised garden beds in winter.
As autumn approaches and daylight dwindles it’s time to start preparing your garden beds for the cold months ahead. Proper winter preparation will help ensure a healthy productive garden next spring. Follow this complete guide to learn how to put your garden to bed and protect plants from freezing temperatures and harsh weather.
Remove Annual Plants
The first step is clearing out any spent annual flowers and vegetables. Pull up dead or dying annuals by the roots to remove sources of disease and pests from the garden bed. Compost healthy plant material. Also harvest any remaining fruits and veggies you want to eat. You can leave hardy root crops like carrots and parsnips in the ground to dig up as needed. Cut back vegetable plants like tomatoes to the ground.
Trim Perennials
Next, cut back the dead stems and foliage of perennial flowers and herbs down to the ground. Exceptions are any perennials with attractive seed heads that provide winter interest or food for birds. You can leave ornamental grasses and sedums for texture too. Prune any damaged or crossing stems on shrubs and roses.
Weed Thoroughly
Fall is an excellent time to weed because soil is still soft. Removing every last weed prevents them from going to seed and sprouting next spring. Use a spade or hula hoe to dig deep and get the entire root system. Cut back ivy vinca or any other spreading ground covers.
Boost Soil Nutrients
Replenish your garden beds with 2-3 inches of finished compost or nutrient-rich organic matter like leaf mold. You can also add a balanced organic granular fertilizer following package instructions. Mix amendments into the top 4-6 inches of soil to provide nutrients for spring growth.
Add Mulch
Spread 2-4 inches of shredded leaves, wood chips, straw, or other organic mulch over beds. Mulching insulates plant roots, suppresses weeds, and as it decomposes it will improve soil health. Leave some areas, like paths, uncovered for winter interest.
Plant Spring Bulbs
October-November is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and use a trowel to plant bulbs to the proper planting depth. Add bone meal in planting holes to encourage root growth. Mulch over bulbs after planting.
Protect Perennials
Hardy perennials like daylilies may not need any protection, but more tender plants appreciate a little TLC. Mulch around the base to insulate roots. For marginally hardy perennials, place evergreen boughs or fiber row cover over plants to shield from harsh winds and snow loads.
Add Decorative Touches
Add visual interest to your winter garden with ornaments, stones, gravel, twigs, evergreens, and other decorative touches. Place birdhouses, wind chimes, sundials, and rustic garden art before snow covers the ground. Evergreen boughs and colorful stems add color.
Store Equipment and Tools
Sharpen tools and rub metal surfaces with oil to prevent rust. Drain and store hoses neatly coiled. Clean and store empty pots. Protect window boxes and other containers from harsh weather. An unheated garage or garden shed provides ideal storage.
Final Garden Clean Up
Once the ground has frozen solid, apply an additional layer of winter mulch over beds for added insulation. Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and debris from lawns and paths to prevent smothering grass. Clear brush from beds and trim back trees and shrubs if needed.
Put your garden to bed before winter arrives using these key tips:
- Pull out and compost dead annuals
- Cut back perennials and prune shrubs/roses
- Dig out weeds thoroughly by the roots
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or organic matter
- Spread protective mulch over soil
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Cover delicate perennials with evergreens
- Add decorative touches for visual interest
- Oil and sharpen tools before storing
- Apply final layer of mulch once ground freezes
FAQ About Preparing Garden Beds for Winter
Should you cut back perennials in fall?
Yes, trim spent flower stems down to the ground on most perennials, leaving about 3-4 inches of healthy stems. Evergreen foliage and seed heads can remain for winter interest.
Do you need to fertilize the garden before winter?
Adding compost and organic matter in fall is recommended to replenish nutrients. Fertilizer is usually not necessary unless your soil test shows severe deficiencies.
What can damage plants in winter?
Fluctuating freeze and thaw cycles, heavy snow or ice, rapid temperature changes, strong winds, hungry wildlife, and plowed snow banks can all potentially harm gardens.
Should mulch touch plant stems?
No, avoid “volcano mulching” where mulch is piled up on stems. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant crowns so they aren’t suffocated or susceptible to rotting.
How do you prepare a new garden bed for winter?
Remove weeds, rocks and debris. Dig in 2-3 inches of compost across the bed and rake smooth. Scatter seeds for green manure cover crops like clover or rye. Top with 2-3 inches of mulch once the ground freezes.
Preparing your garden properly each fall sets the stage for a thriving, vigorous garden after winter. Follow this complete guide to clean up beds, protect plants, and prep for the cold season ahead. With just a few hours of garden cleanup in autumn, you’ll give your plants the best chance of bouncing back beautifully in spring.
Plan Ahead With Bulbs
Get flower bulbs and garlic bulbs into the ground before it freezes if you want to enjoy them next year.
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When you feel the first frost, you should think about getting your raised bed garden ready for winter. A little garden care in late fall or early winter can keep the soil healthy and get you ready to plant in the spring when the weather gets warmer.
Keep reading for a to-do list for what to do with raised garden beds in winter.