As temperatures begin to drop in Toronto, many homeowners wonder how to protect their garden for winter and ensure it returns lush and healthy in the spring. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or perennials, giving your garden the right winter care can make a big difference in its longevity and success.
🧤 Start with a Thorough Clean-Up
A clean garden is a healthy garden. Remove dead plants, weeds, and any diseased foliage. Leaving these in the soil over winter can invite pests and disease next season. Compost what you can, but avoid composting anything that shows signs of mildew or rot.
If you're maintaining a vegetable garden, consider planting a cover crop like clover or rye. These natural ground covers help retain nutrients in the soil and protect it from erosion during the freeze-thaw cycles common in East Toronto. Check out our blog on Fall Home Maintenance for more tips.
🪵 Mulch and Insulate Your Beds
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect your garden for winter. Add a thick layer (2 to 4 inches) of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or bark, to flower beds and around perennials. This helps insulate plant roots and moderates soil temperature.
You can also protect young or sensitive plants using burlap or garden fleece. Just make sure the covers allow airflow to prevent mould and mildew buildup.
🛠️ Maintain and Store Garden Tools Properly
Don’t forget your tools! Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools before storing them in a dry, frost-free area. This not only extends the life of your tools but also ensures you're ready to jump into spring planting when the time comes.
Consider draining and storing your garden hose and turning off exterior water valves to avoid freezing issues.
🌱 Plan Ahead for a Strong Spring Return
Now is the perfect time to plan for next year’s garden. Sketch out changes, note what worked well this year, and order seeds early. You can even start certain perennials indoors by late winter for a head start on the season.
And don’t forget your soil. Do a soil test before the first frost and add amendments like compost or manure to give your beds a nutrient boost that will work its magic over winter.
🌿 Help Your Garden Thrive Year After Year
Taking the time to protect your garden for winter doesn’t just save plants; it sets you up for success next spring. With a little effort now, your garden will come back stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.
Contact us today for more tips on boosting your curb appeal through every season, or to learn how a well-maintained garden can increase your East Toronto home’s value.
