Preparing your garden properly to withstand winter’s chill can help your garden bounce back during the spring, ensuring healthy plants and a beautiful landscape. Here’s how to get started:

Clean up and remove debris. Clearing your garden of dead plants, fallen leaves, and debris reduces the risk of pests and diseases taking hold during the winter. According to the University of Illinois Extension, removing plant debris prevents the spread of pathogens that can harm your garden during the next growing season.

Mulch your garden beds. Applying a layer of mulch helps insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends using organic materials, such as compost or shredded bark, which also add nutrients to the soil while decomposing during winter.

Protect perennials and shrubs. Perennials and shrubs need extra care to survive winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests cutting back perennials, covering them with mulch, and covering shrubs with a burlap wrap to shield them from harsh winds.

Prune dead or diseased branches. Late fall is an excellent time to prune dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. The Arbor Day Foundation advises careful pruning to prevent the spread of disease and to reduce the risk of branches breaking under the weight of snow.

Prepare your soil for spring. Consider adding compost or organic matter to your garden beds during fall, which allows the soil the time to break down the nutrients and make them available for plants during spring. According to the National Gardening Association, enriching the soil during fall can lead to healthier plants and better yields next year.