Five Essential Steps to Protecting Perennial Plants Over the Winter – Waynesboro Landscape & Garden Center

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, it’s time to prepare your garden for the colder months. Perennials are a staple of beautiful gardens, coming back year after year to provide vibrant blooms and greenery. However, they need a little TLC to survive the frost and return healthy in spring. Follow these five essential steps to protect your perennials and ensure a thriving garden when the weather warms up again.

1. Cut Back and Clean Up

Before winter sets in, take time to tidy your garden. Remove dead foliage and spent flower stems from your perennials. This helps prevent rot and diseases that can harm your plants during the dormant season. For plants that produce seed heads like coneflowers, consider leaving a few intact—they provide natural food for birds and add winter interest to your garden. Cleaning up also deters pests that might use leftover debris as a cozy winter home.

2. Add a Protective Layer of Mulch

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend during winter. A layer of mulch, about 2-4 inches thick, acts as a blanket, insulating the soil and protecting the roots of your perennials from freezing temperatures. Use natural materials like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves. Be sure to spread the mulch evenly, keeping it slightly away from the base of the plant to prevent moisture buildup and rot.

3. Water Thoroughly Before the Freeze

A good drink of water is vital before the ground freezes. Perennials need moisture to sustain their roots through the winter months. Water your plants deeply one last time, ensuring the soil is well-saturated. This step is especially important for new plantings or those in sandy soil, which tends to dry out faster.

4. Use Burlap for Extra Protection

If you have perennials that are particularly sensitive to cold weather—such as rosemary or certain ornamental grasses—consider wrapping them in burlap. Burlap provides insulation while allowing air circulation, which is essential to prevent mold and mildew. You can also create a windbreak around these plants to shield them from harsh winter winds that can dry them out.

5. Check for Pests and Disease

Before putting your garden to bed, inspect your plants for signs of pests or disease. Treat any issues promptly to avoid carrying them over to the next growing season. Applying an organic pest control solution or pruning infected areas can make a big difference in ensuring your perennials stay healthy.

Winterize with Ease at Waynesboro Landscape and Garden Center

Prepping your garden for winter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. At Waynesboro Landscape and Garden Center, we have all the supplies you need to protect your perennials, from premium mulch and burlap covers to pest control solutions and winter care tips.

Stop by this month to stock up on essentials and take advantage of our holiday deals. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you prepare your garden for a beautiful spring comeback. Protect your plants now, and they’ll thank you with vibrant blooms and lush growth when the snow melts.