9 Secrets to a Successful Winter Garden, According to Experts

Winter gardening can be challenging. The days are shorter, the ground is often frozen, and the frigid temperatures aren’t particularly welcoming. Regardless of conditions, however, gardening is restorative—and perhaps even more so in the crisp winter months. Not only does it dish up a steady exposure to vitamin D, but you’ll also have a jump-start on the all-important spring season. Here, a list of expert-approved tips that will help you make the most of the colder months.

Dress Appropriately

Most gardening gear is made with warm temperatures in mind, so Nicole Dillon, a micro-flower farmer and owner at Breemar Flower Farm, has to think outside the box to find the best equipment. “I’ve found some thermal equestrian barn gloves that are fleece-lined, along with waterproof nitrile gloves, and they're super effective at keeping my hands warm while gardening in the winter,” she says. “I also wear ski pants, which come in different weights depending on your climate. They're waterproof too—which is a great feature to look for, as the ground tends to hold moisture in the winter.” 

Dillon also recommends situating your winter vegetable garden close to your home—with southern exposure, if possible—so you don’t lose motivation by having to go far from warmth to do the work.

Don't Fertilize

Fertilizing is a big no-no in winter, as most plants aren't in their growth phase. “Adding nutrients during dormancy can actually damage root systems instead of helping growth, leading to wasted resources and potentially weakening the plant come spring,” says Amaury Ponce, founder and owner of Ponce Tree Services. 

Dillon suggests giving your plants one last dose of fertilizer in the fall with high potassium. “It helps grow strong roots and protects from cold and disease, but then lets the plant go dormant,” she says. “Wait for signs of growth to start before beginning a fertilizer regime again in the spring.”

Take Cuttings

If you’re on a budget, or just love propagating, consider taking and establishing cuttings from some of your heartier plants like deciduous shrubs, roses, or fruit-bearing plants. You'll want to be sure to take these cuttings after your plants have dropped their leaves, but before the first frost.  

Don't Prune Everything

According to Ponce, winter pruning can expose fresh cuts to frost damage, stressing the plant and making it more susceptible to disease. “When you prune a tree or shrub in the winter, you leave an open wound on the plant, so it will be unable to heal itself until spring,” adds Dillon. “This leaves an opening for diseases to creep in.”

However, Ali McEnhill, owner and propagator at The Old Dairy Nursery & Gardens, says winter is the perfect time to prune and tie in rambling and climbing roses. “It’s also a great time to shape deciduous trees and cut back or prune many shrubs,” she says. “Keep in mind, trees and shrubs that flower on old wood—these often bloom in spring or early summer—shouldn't be pruned until after bloom.” 

Make Sure to Mulch

Mulch protects the roots of vulnerable plants, but the amount needed will depend on the weather. In zones that experience deep freezes, it’s important to put down a thick layer to protect the roots. Mulch can consist of straw, leaves, or even compost, but organic black or brown mulch may best absorb and retain heat. 

Don't Overwater

Winter is a time when plants are often dormant, and missteps can lead to more harm than good, says Ponce. “A common mistake, for instance, is overwatering,” he adds. “As temperatures drop, soil retains moisture longer, which can lead to root rot if plants are watered too frequently.”

Be Mindful of Winter Pests

Moles, voles, rabbits, and even deer can destroy a winter garden quickly. “These animals are opportunistic and think you’ve done all this work for them,” says Dillon. “You can deter them by adding hardware cloth to the bottom of your raised beds, installing small barriers or a garden cloche, using natural products like garlic sprays, or adding motion-activated lights for nighttime nibblers.” 

Don't Ignore Winter Precipitation

Don’t ignore snow or ice on plants, warns Dillon. “Heavy snow can damage and break stems and branches,” she says. “Gently brush snow off with a broom and allow ice to melt naturally. There's no need to pull it away from the base of a plant.”

Also, avoid using de-icing salts near plants. “Salt can damage root systems and soil,” Dillon says. “Too much in the soil interferes with nutrient uptake, so try to confine salt to sidewalks and driveways.”

Plan Ahead for Spring

Winter is the perfect time to look around and decide what to add for next year, according to McEnhill. “Early winter is a surprisingly good time to plant container-grown trees and shrubs, as it gives them plenty of time to establish roots before they put on new growth in spring,” she says. “Bare-root trees should be planted in late winter or early spring, but you shouldn't attempt to plant perennials in winter if you live in a cold, snowy climate.” 

McEnhill also suggests starting seeds outdoors: “Many perennial and herb seeds require a cold period to germinate, and you can comfortably sow seeds indoors and then immediately transfer them outside to allow nature to care for them over the next several weeks." She says it’s best to keep them in a sheltered spot, covered in snow, where they will germinate in spring as the soil warms.