How to Prep Plants for Winter and Cooler Temps

Post updated December 3, 2021 with contributed content from Dallas County Master Gardener Cindy Bolz – Follow her on Instagram: @japanesemaplesintheshade 

One of the most popular questions we get via the “Ask an Expert” feature in the PlantTAGG app – especially this time of year – is about how best to prep plants for the winter season. 

There’s no doubt that weather can impact your plants significantly. We talked about it on the blog earlier this year here. 

Your location plays a significant role in your garden winterization plan. But even here in Dallas, where it can be challenging to garden in the summer heat, temperatures can drop below freezing.

Of course, with a gorgeous sunny weekend upon us and temps in the mid-seventies, it’s hard to think about prepping plants for winter. Alas, as the cooler temps roll in over the coming weeks, it’s time to give your plants some extra care.

Four considerations to help prepare plants for the cooler temps:

1 – Move Potted Plants Inside to Prepare for Cooler Temps

When the temperatures begin to drop into the 40s, plan to bring your container gardens or potted plants inside and away from the elements. You can move the plants into a garage or other protected space if you don’t want to bring them inside your home. Additionally, anything categorized as “Tropical” should be brought inside or undercover even sooner.

2 – Use Mulch to Protect Plants from Freezing

Generally speaking, hardy native perennials won’t require much preparation for the colder months. If your city tends to drop below freezing, the easiest and fastest way to prep plants for colder temps is to use mulch. Using mulch offers many benefits: it can help your plants grow, suppress weeds, add nutrients to the soil, retain soil moisture, and keep your plants cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s OK to cut perennials to the ground after the first frost, and then plan to add a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your plants to keep them warm.

The best type of mulch depends on your location, plant type, soil type, and weather. We discussed the different types of mulch and how to select the best one for your yard and garden earlier on the blog. Typically organic mulch varieties such as bark, straw, and pine needles, offer better protection from the cooler temps.

3 – Protect Plants from Frost using Fabric Cloths

Annuals live only one season and can’t survive freezing temperatures. Cool-season annuals such as ornamental kale and snapdragons typically fare better as they bloom beautifully in the cooler temps. Pansies also do very well in the cooler temps and are a prominent part of our local winter color.

For young plants and warm-season annuals like impatiens or rosemary, you can extend their life by covering them with a fabric sheet to help regulate temperatures.

Additionally, winterizing your palm trees to protect them from cold damage is critical for most regions in the U.S. If your palm is small, you can cover it with a blanket for up to five days. Burlap works great for covering palms. If your palm is very large, you might want to call in a professional!

4 – Trim Trees to Prep Plants for Winter

To keep your trees and shrubs in tip-top shape through the winter, you might want to give them a trim. First, make sure they have plenty of water before the first freeze. Surround the bases with mulch, as mentioned above. And then grab your shears. Trimming back the limbs as part of your usual annual winter pruning will allow the plants to save energy to make it through the cold temps.

A Little Prep Goes A Long Way

Prepping plants for winter is a simple way to keep your garden looking fresh and ready for a blooming spring in the new year. If you’re looking for additional gardening tips, be sure to set up your yard in PlantTAGG! It’s free to use with nothing to download or install — text “PLANTS” to 46376. With PlantTAGG, you’ll get customized plant care guidance, monthly text reminders, a local Ask an Expert feature, and more!