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Preparing now ensures that your plants and soil will bounce back healthy and vibrant when spring arrives. In this first part of our series, we’ll cover some key steps you can take to protect your garden from harsh winter conditions common to Western New York.

Clean Up and Clear Out

Before the first frost hits, take time to remove dead leaves, spent annuals, and any diseased plants from your garden beds. This helps prevent pests and disease from overwintering in your soil and ensures that your perennials have room to breathe.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

Mulching is a game-changer when it comes to protecting your plants during the winter. Applying a thick layer of mulch (2-3 inches) around your perennials, shrubs, and trees helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent the freeze-thaw cycle from damaging roots. At Elbers, we offer high-quality mulch that’s perfect for this task.

Protect Your Perennials

Perennials like hostas, daylilies, and hydrangeas need a little extra care before winter sets in. Once the ground has frozen, cover these plants with mulch or even straw to keep them insulated. For more sensitive varieties, like lavender or rose bushes, consider wrapping them in burlap for added protection from wind and frost.

Divide and Conquer

Late fall is an excellent time to divide some of your perennials, like peonies and irises. Dividing not only helps control their size but encourages more robust growth in the spring. At Elbers, we can offer advice on the best way to handle plant division for your particular garden.

Stay tuned for Part 2 & Part 3, where we’ll discuss protecting trees and shrubs, caring for your soil, and more tips to keep your garden in top shape through the winter!