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Bring house plants inside -

Despite the fact they have the word 'house' in the name, many people like to keep their houseplants outside. Indeed, they look great everywhere, porches included.

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Bring house plants inside -

If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius), you will definitely need to bring houseplants inside.

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Bring house plants inside -

After all, lots of houseplants are averse to the cold and will start to lose leaves or develop burn-like edges if left out in temperatures that are too brisk.

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Leave plant debris -

Before winter arrives, it is a good idea to remove any weeds or diseased plants from your garden. As usual, this is beneficial for its overall health.

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Leave plant debris -

However, it is also a good idea to leave some debris and dead plant matter behind. These materials have a number of benefits for your garden's ecosystem.

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Leave plant debris -

On the one hand, plant debris can prevent soil erosion by acting as a natural mulch. On the other hand, it can give shelter or food to wildlife, such as birds or beneficial insects.

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Plant a cover crop -

If you do decide to plant during the winter, it is best to go for a cover crop. These have the most benefits when it comes to preparing the ground for spring.

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Plant a cover crop -

Examples of cover crops include crimson clover and hairy vetch. These serve to increase nitrogen, while also adding organic matter to the soil.

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Plant a cover crop -

There are also certain grasses you could consider planting that would be able to withstand cold temperatures and would help to improve compacted soil.

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Mulch your plants -

Adding mulch to your plants is an important part of winter garden prep. It is mulch that protects the roots of your plants during cold weather. 

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Mulch your plants -

Try distributing organic material, such as fallen leaves, in a thin layer around plants and then covering with a more traditional mulch for a more finished look.

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Mulch your plants -

When mulching around trees, which helps to insulate them and encourages them to retain water, remember to leave some space between the bases of your plants.

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Protect tender annuals -

If you want to protect your tender annual plants during winter, the best thing to do is bring them inside and cover them with burlap or frost cloth.

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Protect tender annuals -

Bear in mind that tender annuals are very sensitive to the cold, and there is no huge risk in letting them die in the winter, since they are generally intended for annual planting.

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Protect tender annuals -

However, if you do decide to let your tender annuals die, be sure to collect some seeds and cuttings first, so that you can use them in the spring.

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Protect your roses -

If you have roses in your garden, you can protect them by adding a two or three inch layer of mulch, leaves, or pine around the base of the plant.

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Protect your roses -

You could also consider wrapping your roses in burlap to prevent them from drying out. Of course, this must be removed come spring time.

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Protect your roses -

If you have roses in a container, it is best to bring these inside after the first few frosts. Store them in a cool, dark area and check regularly that they are not drying out.

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Dig up tender bulbs -

There are certain tender bulbs that cannot survive in the cold weather, so they must be dug up and stored inside throughout the winter.

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Dig up tender bulbs -

Dig your tender bulbs out of the soil using a four-tine flat pitchfork and pack them in crumpled newspaper before storing in a cool, dark place.

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Dig up tender bulbs -

Be sure to check on the bulbs at least once per fortnight to make sure there is no fungus or mold growing on them.

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Protect your plants -

If you have any plants or bushes that were planted recently or are not good at withstanding the cold, it may be a good idea to wrap them in burlap.

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Protect your plants -

Furthermore, any plants that are placed near a road or walkway that is treated with salt should be covered with a protective shield.

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Protect your plants -

Finally, if the ground is not frozen and you live in a region that experiences dry spells in the winter, do not forget to water your evergreens periodically.

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Clean your tools -

If you are a keen gardener, you will know how important it is to clean your tools after every use. However, just before winter is a particularly important time to do it.

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Clean your tools -

Before temperatures drop, take some time to show your tools some extra care. Make sure everything is sharp and disinfected for the spring.

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Clean your tools -

If possible, it is a good idea to do a full inventory. Go through everything you have and make a note of anything that needs upgrading or replacing.

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Disconnect your hose -

Last but not least, it is a good idea to empty your garden hose and store it inside during the winter. Cold weather is not usually a hose's friend.

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Disconnect your hose -

If water is left in the hose over winter, it will gather in the lowest part and is likely to freeze. This can expand the hard plastic and ultimately crack the hose.

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Disconnect your hose -

Winter sun can be equally damaging to a hose. The degradation it causes can mean the hose starts to crack, and after a season or two you will start to see holes.

Sources: (Martha Stewart)

See also: A stroll through the world's most beautiful gardens

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