Protect Your Growing Plants & Flowers from Cold Weather

Series Summary

For the avid gardener, winter can be a tough time. Some may think that the slow decaying of their plants symbolically resembles the inevitability of death. Heavy stuff. However, this is a rather unhealthy way to look at winter's effects. Instead, gardeners should look at winter as the much awaited plant's siesta. Like any good childcare provider knows, everyone needs a nap once in awhile. The best thing that a gardener can do for their sleepy plants is to prepare them with everything they need for their nap time. There are several ways that you can prepare your plants for winter. In fact, winter is one of the best times to do some rearranging in the garden as well. Transplanting your perennial plants will do wonders for your garden, and it will be less harsh on your plants.

In this free video series, learn how to prepare your garden for winter. Our experts, John Guion and Arnetta Francis, show you everything you need to know about winter garden care. Learn how to fertilize your lawn for cold weather. Also, learn tips for preparing your faucets for winter. They even show you how to transplant and prune perennials. So, take some time and learn how to give your garden a great rest!

Video Transcript

"Hi! I'm Arnesia Francis from Bell Nursery in Burtonville, MD for Expert Village. We are going to help you get your garden ready for the Winter. Let's talk about preparing your flower beds for the Winter months. Your first step is to cut back the perennials. You shouldn't worry about cutting back these plants. It won't hurt them. If you don't cut back the leaves and remove the foliage, when the freezing weather hits the frost will travel down to the roots and most likely, your plant will die. It is best to wait until the first frost to mulch. Four to six inches of mulch, pine leaves, dried leaves and cuttings will provide an adequate layer of protection for your plants. Be sure to water thoroughly before the ground freezes. Remember your plants are still making glucose in order to grow next Spring. Don't be afraid to cut your rose bushes back. They will love you for it in the Spring. This is dirt that I removed from a hole when I planted a tree. I didn't have anywhere to put the soil so I put it in the wheel barrel and it recently rained so as you can see it is like muddy now but that is good because I am going to put it around the rose bush and the water is going to seep of course into the earth. The dirt is going to dry and we will have rocks but all that is going to keep our roses warm during the snow. Next Spring I will remove the rocks before I lay down mulch. Remember a little garden work done now comes Spring, your garden will love you. "