Winterize Your Garden in 7 Steps: Clean, Mulch, Plan & Protect

Winterizing isn't a chore—it's the victory lap after harvest. Do it right, and spring starts ahead.

1. Clean beds: Remove dead foliage, roots, stakes, markers. Compost healthy debris; trash diseased/pest material.
2. Rake lawn: Leaves block light, air, moisture. Don't suffocate grass.
3. Mulch trees/shrubs: 2–3″ around (not touching) trunks. Stabilizes soil temp, protects roots. Too deep = rodent condos.
4. Plan next year's veg garden: Sketch beds now. Rotate crops. Maximize space. More harvest, less guesswork.
5. Drain & store equipment: Gas out of mowers, trimmers. Batteries indoors (above freezing). Extends life.
6. Clean & store tools: Mice eat handles. Oil metal. Toss worn tools—replace or hint for gifts.
7. Read garden books: Best part. Fire, tea, stack of inspiration. Dream next season.

Winterizing closes one chapter beautifully—and opens the next one ready.