How to Prep Your Garden for Winter Like a Pro
Cold nights have officially arrived, but it’s not too late to give your garden the care it needs before winter truly sets in. A few simple steps now will help protect your plants, support local wildlife, and make sure your landscape wakes up healthy and beautiful in spring. Here’s how to get it done — with a little help from Designs by Lee Garden Center in North Stamford.
1. Protect Perennials and Shrubs
Many perennials have finished their show for the season, and it’s time to tidy them up — but not all of them need to be cut back! Leave plants like coneflower, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses standing to provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects through the colder months. It’s an easy way to make your garden more wildlife-friendly while still looking natural and seasonal.
For evergreen shrubs, especially boxwoods and hollies, help them handle winter burn with Wilt-Pruf, available now at Designs by Lee. This anti-desiccant spray seals in moisture and helps evergreens stay green even as temperatures dip.
Designs by Lee Tip: We have burlap, mulch, Wilt-Pruf, and plant covers ready to help you protect your garden before deep frost hits.
2. You Can Still Plant!
Even though nights are cold, you can continue planting trees, shrubs, and perennials right up until the ground freezes solid. The soil is still warm enough for roots to establish, giving new plants a head start for spring.
If you’ve been thinking about adding structure or color to your landscape, this is your last window of opportunity before true winter sets in — and our team can help you pick plants that thrive in Connecticut’s climate.
3. Water and Feed Before the Freeze
Make sure everything that stays outside goes into winter hydrated. Give trees, shrubs, and newly planted material a good soaking before the soil hardens, then apply a slow-release winter fertilizer to strengthen root systems for spring growth.
4. Bring Houseplants Indoors
If you haven’t already, bring houseplants inside — especially tropicals or succulents. Check for pests, trim back leggy growth, and rinse the leaves. Place them near bright windows and avoid drafts while they adjust to indoor life.
It’s also a great time to refresh your space — houseplants are still 30% off, and we have plenty of easy-care varieties perfect for low light.
5. Final Clean-Up & Prep
Clean tools, empty pots, and store hoses before the first hard freeze. Remove fallen leaves from garden beds to prevent mold and pests, and add a layer of mulch to help insulate the soil.
Wrap-Up
Even with chilly nights, there’s still time to finish your fall garden prep strong. From Wilt-Pruf and burlap to fresh perennials and mulch, Designs by Lee has everything you need to protect your garden — and the local wildlife that calls it home — all winter long.
129 Interlaken Rd, Stamford CT
Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM
