Winter Gardening Tips – Preparing Your Plants for Western New York’s Cold Months

As temperatures drop in Batavia, many gardeners wonder how to protect their plants through the winter. Whether you have perennials, shrubs, or even potted plants, taking the right steps can help your greenery survive the harsh Western New York winter.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter:

🌱 Mulch for Protection – A thick layer of mulch around your plants helps insulate the soil, protecting roots from extreme temperature swings.
🌲 Wrap Your Shrubs – Use burlap or frost blankets to shield delicate shrubs from wind and ice damage.
🪴 Bring Pots Inside – If you have potted perennials or herbs, move them to a sheltered area or indoors before the first hard freeze.
🌿 Cut Back (But Not Too Much!) – Trim back dead growth on perennials, but leave about six inches to protect roots and promote regrowth in spring.
💧 Water Before the Freeze – Give your plants a deep watering before the ground freezes to ensure they enter dormancy hydrated.

By taking these steps now, you’ll set your garden up for success come spring! Stop by The New Leaf Greenhouse & Nursery for more winter gardening tips and supplies to keep your plants healthy year-round.