Let’s be honest – winter isn’t all that pleasant. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s windy – so it’s no surprise that people prefer to stay indoors. And quite frankly, your plants would probably prefer that too. Without proper care, the cold weather makes many of them wilt and appear damaged. But there is something you can do to help your plants get through the winter. Our tips will help them hibernate and stay healthy until spring.

Bring potted plants indoors or into a sheltered area

The easiest thing you can do to protect your beautiful blooms during winter is to remove them from your garden. Bring them indoors and place them near windows to ensure they get plenty of light. If you’re unsure about putting potted plants and hanging baskets in your home, pop them in the garage, a greenhouse or any sheltered area. Wherever you decide to place them, make sure they stay warm.  

Rake back any organic matter

Organic matter is anything from fallen leaves and twigs to wood chippings. It’s important to clear away as much of this debris as possible to allow your plants the space they need to grow. It’s likely that you maintain your garden in the warmer months, and the cold snap should be no different. The more you maintain your garden in winter, the higher your plants’ chance of survival.

Add a layer of mulch around the base

Mulch is brilliant for holding moisture and heat in the soil, which is crucial for the health of your plants. It acts a bit like an insulator and can protect the roots of your plants from cold conditions. Try adding a layer of mulch that’s around two to three inches thick around the base of your plants. Just remember to rake it back when the warmer months begin to bless your garden. 

Create a frame around your plants

Why? Because it’s one of the best ways to keep your plants comfortable and hibernated in winter. You can use stakes to create the frame and throw an old blanket or tarp over tender plants to ensure they stay warm and healthy. Of course, if you only need to protect your flowers and greenery from a small number of especially cold nights, a simple shelter like an old blanket should do the trick.

Reduce watering

This step is essential if your garden has seen a lot of rain, as your plants will not appreciate the high moisture levels in the soil. If you haven’t experienced much rain, try to stick to watering in the morning to enable both your plants and the soil to dry off before night time.

Cut back flowering and fruiting plants

It’s usually around late winter when flowering and fruiting plants go dormant, so it’s best to cut them back at this time. By doing so, you’ll encourage strong growth during spring and summer and have less catching up to do throughout both seasons.

Want more hibernation advice for your plants during winter? Browse our lawn cutting & maintenance listings to find a professional in your region.