Rocky Mountain November Garden Checklist: Winterizing Pots, Tools, and Trees

The big fall push winds down, but beautiful days remain for final garden tasks before winter settles in.

Winterize Containers

Empty annual flowers and veggies. Remove soil (or top 8–10 inches from large pots). Compost spent soil and healthy foliage. Store pots in a dry, sheltered spot (covered patio, shed, garage) to avoid freeze-thaw damage. Large glazed pots can stay outdoors upside down on scrap 2x4s.

Winterize Lawn Mower

Mow as long as grass grows (remove no more than ⅓ blade). After final mow, run tank dry. Clean and sharpen blades before storage.

Wrap Young Trees

Leafless young trees are vulnerable to sunscald from low winter sun, especially reflected off snow. Wrap trunks with tree wrap (available at garden centers) from base to second branch tier in overlapping spiral; secure with duct tape. Wrap in late November, remove in early April.

Clean and Store Tools

Well-maintained tools last years. Wash with soapy water, scrub off dirt. Remove rust with steel wool. Coat metal with WD-40 or mineral oil. Treat unpainted wooden handles with linseed oil. Sharpen blades. Store in a dry, safe place.