Apply organic mulch to outdoor plant bases. This improves soil insulation, temperature regulation, and moisture retention. Use straw, leaves, or bark.
Be sure to water plants before winter. Humid plants resist chilling better. Waterlogged soil can cause root rot, so avoid overwatering.
Cover fragile plants with burlap or frost cloth to prevent cold damage. This blocks wind and cold.
Young trees with thin bark may benefit from tree wrap or burlap to prevent sunscald and low temperatures.
To promote spring development, prune dead or damaged branches before winter. Avoid severe pruning in late fall to avoid frost-sensitive new growth.
Potted plants should be moved to a garage or covered porch to avoid freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds. Insulate containers with bubble wrap or burlap.
Make sure plant soil drains well. Poor drainage causes soggy soil, which harms plant roots in freezing temperatures.
Anti-desiccant sprays prevent leaf moisture loss in evergreens. This prevents dehydration-related winter burn.
Water indoor plants less in winter. During this time, most plants grow slower and need less water.