Winter garden care: 5 essential jobs to do in your garden this winter

Written By Janis Mundy

Winter may slow plant growth, but it’s a critical season for garden maintenance and planning. Taking the right steps now will protect your plants, improve soil health, and ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives.

Whether you’re maintaining a small garden or planning a full landscaping upgrade, here are five essential winter garden care tasks you shouldn’t ignore.

  1. Protect plants during cold weather

Cold temperatures, frost, and excess moisture can damage plants if left unprotected.

Winter plant protection tips:

  • Mulch borders to insulate roots and retain nutrients

  • Wrap tender shrubs with horticultural fleece

  • Move potted plants to sheltered areas

  • Elevate containers to improve drainage

Proper plant protection is one of the most important garden jobs in winter and prevents costly replacements in spring.

2. Tidy and maintain your garden responsibly

A winter tidy improves garden health while still supporting wildlife.

Focus on:

  • Removing diseased or damaged plant material

  • Clearing leaves from lawns and paths

  • Cutting back perennials once dormant

  • Cleaning pots, tools, and garden furniture

Leaving some seed heads and natural debris helps birds and beneficial insects survive the colder months.

3. Care for your lawn in winter

Your lawn still needs attention, even when growth slows.

Winter lawn care essentials:

  • Remove fallen leaves to prevent moss and disease

  • Avoid walking on frozen or waterlogged grass

  • Trim lawn edges for a tidy appearance

  • Apply a winter lawn feed if suitable

Healthy winter lawn care leads to stronger grass growth in spring.

4. Plan landscaping and garden design projects

Winter is the ideal time to plan improvements without disrupting growing plants.

Consider:

  • Redesigning borders and flower beds

  • Adding patios, paths, or raised beds

  • Improving drainage or soil structure

  • Booking professional landscaping services early

Many homeowners search for winter landscaping ideas now — planning ahead secures availability before the busy spring season

5. Prepare your garden for spring

Spring success starts in winter.

Get ahead by:

  • Ordering seeds and bulbs early

  • Adding compost or well-rotted manure

  • Repairing fences, sheds, and garden structures

  • Starting hardy seeds indoors where appropriate

These winter gardening tasks make spring planting faster and more productive.

Why winter garden care matters

Neglecting your garden over winter can lead to poor plant health, compacted soil, and delayed growth in spring. By investing time in winter garden maintenance, you’ll enjoy a healthier, more attractive outdoor space all year round.

Looking for more winter gardening tips or professional landscaping advice?

Browse our website for expert guides, seasonal checklists, and landscaping services tailored to your garden.

Your best garden starts with winter care.

Janis Mundy