As we get ready for winter, there are some things your garden needs to prepare it for winter’s cold temperatures.

Plant now
Fall is for planting. The earlier you can get plants into the ground before it freezes, the better.  Plants need time to establish roots.  A good rule of thumb: Give perennials and trees and shrubs at least three weeks before the ground freezes, which is usually late December or January.

Know what to prune now
While it is true that you should prune plants in your landscape in the fall for size and shape, not all shrubs and plants follow that rule. For example, there are varieties of Hydrangeas are best cut in fall, while others should wait until Spring. Learn more about when to prune hydrangeas in this blog. Summer-blooming plants like Butterfly Bushes and Caryopteris can experience damage if the newly pruned branches are exposed to the extreme temperatures of winter.

It is best to prune these in the spring or late summer to allow the branches to harden before the first frost. For specifics on winter prep for your garden, visit English Gardens and talk with an expert.

Water new plantings regularly
Once the colors start to change in the landscape, new plants should still be thoroughly watered once a week until the ground freezes, which is usually in December, or even January.

Mulch bare soil
After removing annuals and vegetable plants, be sure to cover the soil with a layer of mulch. This will help protect it from weeds, and help any new plantings stay insulated from the cold. This also will also add organic materials and nutrients to the soil, enriching it over time.

Deadhead self-sowers
Be sure to clip seed heads on any self-sowing plants before winter. If left unattended these plants might take over your garden come spring.

Treat for weeds and insects now
Don’t wait too long to treat your yard for weeds and insects. Be sure to check labels on your products for temperature ratings. Most insecticides and weed control formulas will not work under 50 degrees. Early fall is the best time to treat your yard when temperatures average around 60 degrees.

Dormant oil is a good preventative on many trees and shrubs.

Protect sensitive plants from the winter wind
Plants like broad leaf evergreens, roses, some Hydrangeas, and newly planted Japanese Maples and Arborvitaes should be protected from the chilly winds of winter. Creating a burlap box is the easiest and safest way to protect these plants. Placing stakes in a square around the plant, wrap the burlap around the stakes until you form a screen. Cover the full height of plants. Any part sticking above the burlap can be damaged. Accumulating snow will provide insulation through the winter, but the goal is to protect the plant from damaging wind.

For more information on how to prepare your yard and garden for winter, come by any English Gardens location and talk to our experts.