10 Ways to Protect Your Plants that Remain in the Ground Through Winter

Winter in the Midwest can be a challenging time for garden enthusiasts. Bitter cold, heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures make it difficult for many plants to survive the winter months. While some plants are adapted to handle the harsh conditions, others need a little extra care to make it through until spring. If you want to protect plants that remain in the ground during winter, this guide will help you prepare your garden for the cold weather and ensure that your plants return strong in the spring.

1. Know Your Plant Hardiness Zone

The first step in protecting your plants over the winter is understanding your USDA hardiness zone. The Midwest spans several zones, ranging from Zone 3 (coldest) to Zone 6 (mildest). The Zone we have here in east central Indiana is Zone 6b. Plants that are hardy in your zone can typically tolerate the winter conditions, but those that are just outside their zone may require extra protection.

Note the plants in your garden and check their hardiness. This will give you a clear idea of which plants may require extra TLC during the colder winter months.

2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect your garden beds during the winter. A thick layer of mulch insulates the soil, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations and prevent the ground from freezing and thawing repeatedly, which can damage plant roots. It also helps retain moisture and prevents the ground from drying out during the dry winter months.

For perennial beds, apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of quality, fine shred mulch or organic mulch (such as shredded leaves, wood chips, or straw) after the first hard frost. Be sure to mulch generously around the base of the plants, but avoid piling mulch directly against stems or crowns, as this can promote rot.

3. Create Windbreaks

Midwest winters are known for their strong winds, which can dry out plants, especially some evergreens and tender perennials. To protect your plants from wind damage, consider installing windbreaks or barriers around your garden. This could be as simple as placing a row of burlap or garden fabric on stakes around vulnerable areas or using fences or hedges to reduce wind exposure.

Evergreens and ornamental grasses can really benefit from extra shielding during the winter months to keep their needles and leaves intact.

4. Water Before the Freeze

One of the most overlooked aspects of winter plant care is ensuring that your plants are well-watered before the ground freezes. Dry plants are more susceptible to frost damage and can struggle to survive the winter. Ideally, you should water your plants thoroughly in late fall, right before the first freeze. This will help hydrate the soil and the plants themselves, giving them the moisture they need to survive winter dormancy.

Watering in late fall also helps prevent plants from drying out during winter, especially those that stay evergreen or have shallow roots. Just be sure to avoid watering once the ground has frozen to prevent water from pooling around plant roots.

5. Cover Tender Plants

Covering plants that are more sensitive to extreme cold can be an effective method of protection. While many perennial plants are cold-hardy, certain tender varieties—like roses, ornamental grasses, and young shrubs—may require extra insulation.

To protect these plants, use frost blankets, burlap, or old blankets to shield them from freezing temperatures. If you're dealing with shrubs or small trees, create a tent-like structure over the plant, leaving space for air circulation to prevent mold growth. Be sure to remove coverings on sunny days to prevent heat buildup and promote airflow.

6. Prune at the Right Time

Pruning your plants before winter is important, but timing is key. While some plants can benefit from being cut back in the fall, others should be left to stand through the winter for protection or visual interest.

In general, it’s best to prune back perennials after the first hard frost, leaving their stems standing until they’ve gone dormant. This not only adds a protective layer over the plant's crown but also helps prevent damage from accumulation of snow and ice. However, any dead or diseased wood should be removed before winter to prevent rot and fungal growth.

 

7. Use Protective Covers for Raised Beds

If you have raised garden beds, it's a good idea to use covers or cold frames to extend the growing season or protect plants that remain in the ground. Raised beds tend to drain more quickly than in-ground beds, and their soil can freeze more rapidly in the winter. By using row covers or cold frames, you can create a microclimate that keeps your plants warmer and better protected from extreme temperature shifts.

If you have crops like spinach, kale, or other cold-hardy vegetables still growing in your raised beds, covering them will help extend their harvest into the winter months, providing you with fresh greens even in January.

8. Consider Planting Cold-Hardy Varieties

One of the best ways to ensure your plants survive the winter in the Midwest is to choose species that are naturally suited to the climate. Many native plants are highly adaptable and able to handle the freezing temperatures and snowfalls typical of the region. Perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and asters are known for their winter hardiness, as are many ornamental grasses and shrubs.

If you're considering adding new plants to your garden in the fall, look for varieties labeled as "cold-hardy" or "winter-tolerant." These plants are more likely to survive the winter months with minimal protection.

9. Check and Maintain Protective Covers

Once you've done all the work to protect your plants for the winter, it’s essential to check on them periodically throughout the season. Heavy snowfalls can cause damage to protective coverings, and wind can dislodge barriers or break branches. During warmer spells, check to make sure your plants are still well-protected, and make any necessary adjustments. This can also be an excellent time to remove any covers to allow for ventilation and prevent excess moisture buildup, which could lead to rot.

10. Plan for Spring

While protecting your plants during the winter months is important, planning for the growing season ahead is also essential. As spring approaches, be ready to remove winter coverings, prune any dead or damaged growth, and prepare your garden beds for new development. Early spring care is as important as winter prep, so prepare for the growing season by planning ahead.

Winter in the Midwest can be harsh, but with some preparation, you can protect the plants that stay in the ground and help them survive until spring. By understanding your hardiness zone, mulching effectively, providing windbreaks, watering properly, and using covers and cold frames when necessary, you can ensure that your plants will weather the cold and return stronger next year. Remember that a little extra care before and during the winter can lead to a flourishing garden come springtime! 

If you're looking for just the right plant for winter hardiness or prefer having your landscape readied for fall by professionals, Wasson's Personal Groundskeeping and Landscape Services are a great way to ensure you have the right plants that will be happy and healthy through every season.