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Steps
1
Clean the garden by harvesting remaining produce and removing spent annuals, weeds, and diseased plant material. Dispose of diseased material in the trash rather than the compost pile to prevent pathogens from surviving the winter.
2
Prepare the soil by adding a layer of compost or organic amendments like bone meal or kelp meal. For new beds, loosen compacted soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to allow for future root growth.
3
Protect plants by applying 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or bark) after the ground begins to freeze. Ensure mulch is not laid too close to the trunks or stems of plants to avoid rot.
4
Secure sensitive plants by wrapping young, thin-barked trees in burlap or corrugated tubes to prevent frost cracking and rodent damage. Use a six-to-eight-inch cone-shaped mound of soil to protect the graft line of roses.
5
Winterize the watering system by shutting off the main water supply and draining all hoses and rain barrels. For sprinkler systems, drain the mainline and insulate any above-ground components with foam pipe covers.
6
Perform final maintenance by cleaning and sterilizing garden tools with soapy water or vinegar, sharpening blades with a metal file, and lubricating pivot points with oil before storing them.
Pro Tips
Avoid using salt-based de-icers on walkways near the garden, as salt leaches moisture from plant cells; use sand or calcium-based alternatives instead.
Prune dormant trees and shrubs in late winter, but avoid pruning spring-blooming plants like lilacs or forsythia until after they flower.