Tips to Prep a Garden for Winter | U.S. Lawns - Murfreesboro

When your landscape features a garden, it’s important to prep that garden for winter. Preparing a garden for winter helps ensure its protection from frost, and even readies it for the spring season. Failure to prep for winter will mean a lot of extra work come spring. U.S. Lawns - Murfreesboro has rounded up some simple steps you should know if you plan to properly care for your garden each fall.

In terms of plant hardiness, Murfreesboro is in zone 7a. Zone 7 typically has a first frost date of November 15, and a last frost date of April 15.

Clear the weeds.
First, remove any plants or debris that doesn’t belong. You’ll need to clear out weeds, dead leaves, plant parts, and invasive or diseased plants. If you wouldn’t want in your garden during the growing season, you want to get rid of it now. Tackling this job is easier now while the roots are more visible.

Protect new beds.
In the case that you added new plants or flowers this past growing season, you need to establish those new plants through their first winter. Basically, you want to give them extra protection while they’re still new. Add extra coverage over the winter with a garden cloche that drapes over the entire new garden area.

Plant bulbs before the ground freezes.
For best results, you must plant your bulbs several inches into the ground, so they receive plenty of protection over the winter and are ready to bloom in spring. If you wait too long, the ground will become too hard and you’ll struggle to plant the bulbs deep enough.

Give your garden a final watering.
Most property owners will turn off the outdoor water to avoid frozen water pipes in winter. Before you turn that water off, give your plants one last drink. If you can, do this a week or two before the ground freezes. And when you turn the water off, make sure you also empty and properly store your hoses, and other gardening supplies so they don’t freeze and crack in the cold.

Remove delicate plants.
Anytime your garden contains tender bulbs or tubers like dahlias and elephant ear, you need to get them indoors if you plan to keep them. You should dig them up before the winter and store them in a dark, cool place. You can research the best storage recommendation for each plant online. For some, a basement is perfect. When spring comes, you will replant them. You can learn more about storing tender plants here.

Pile on the mulch.
Even in the winter, mulch serves a powerful purpose. It adds organic matter to the soil, naturally deters weeds, and even helps to insulate and protect your plants through winter. A layer of mulch will help keep the ground frozen until spring, so your plants don’t thaw and grow too early.

Most business owners don’t have the time or energy to DIY their grounds, but the value of a well-maintained property is too high to ignore. If you could use some help with your commercial curb appeal, don’t hesitate to contact U.S. Lawns - Murfreesboro. We’re here to help you get your grounds looking their very best!