Tuck Them In: Protecting Plants Before Winter Hits
Give your garden the care it deserves before the cold sets in
When temperatures start to dip, it’s time to think about tucking your garden in for a long winter’s rest. A little care now goes a long way in keeping your plants safe through the freeze-and-thaw cycles ahead. In Zone 5, where winters can swing from mild to downright brutal, protection is all about insulation and timing.
Start by
watering deeply before the ground freezes. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, giving roots an extra buffer against the cold. Perennials that were recently planted or divided will especially appreciate that last good drink before winter sets in.
Next, focus on
mulching. Once the ground has frozen, add a 2–4 inch layer of shredded leaves, straw, or bark mulch around the base of your plants. It’s like a cozy blanket that helps regulate soil temperature and keeps roots from heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. Avoid piling mulch directly against stems — leave a little breathing room to prevent rot.
For
shrubs and young trees, consider wrapping them in burlap or using plant protectors. Harsh winter winds and bright sun can cause damage even when the temperatures stay below freezing. Burlap acts as a windbreak and shields tender foliage without trapping moisture.
Don’t forget your
container plants. Move pots into sheltered areas like a garage, shed, or near your home’s foundation. If they’re too large to move, group them together and wrap the containers in burlap or bubble wrap to protect the roots.
And while it might be tempting to tidy everything up, resist the urge to cut back every stem. Leaving some dried grasses and seed heads provides winter texture — and a snack for birds — while adding natural beauty to your snow-covered garden.
Taking these small steps now helps ensure that, come spring, your plants wake up strong, healthy, and ready to grow. So grab a warm coat, one last mug of cider, and tuck those plants in — they’ve earned their rest, and so have you.
🌿 Come Connect With Us
The Landscape Connection
4472 S. Mulford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109
Before winter hits, give your garden one last good cleanup. From raking and trimming to prepping your beds for a healthy spring, these fall cleanup tips will help your Zone 5 garden rest easy through winter.
Plant perennial flower seeds this October in Illinois Zone 5. Learn how to sow coneflower, black-eyed Susan, lupine, and more using winter’s natural stratification for stronger, earlier blooms.
Plant spring bulbs this fall with expert Zone 5 tips from Michelle in Northern Illinois. Learn when, where, and how to plant tulips, daffodils, and crocus for the best spring show.
Discover expert pumpkin carving tips for Illinois Zone 5. Learn how to keep your jack-o-lanterns fresh longer, plus fun decorating ideas and Michelle’s favorite pumpkin bread recipe.
Fall isn’t the end of garden season—it’s the beginning of next year’s success. Discover why autumn is the perfect time to plant trees, perennials, and bulbs in Zone 5, and how to do it right.
Learn how and when to divide your perennial plants this fall. Discover step-by-step techniques for lifting, splitting, and replanting hostas, iris, daylilies, and more—plus tips to reduce transplant shock and keep your garden thriving.
Learn how to plant iris in early fall for bold spring blooms. This guide covers sun, soil, spacing, re-blooming care, and Michelle’s top planting tips. Perfect for Zone 5 gardens!
Want your fall mums to last longer—and maybe even return next year? Discover tips on planting, overwintering, and choosing the right varieties to get the most out of your fall mums in Zone 5.
Curious about how to grow your own mums? Learn how to start from seed or cuttings, when to pinch, and how to get bushy fall blooms in Zone 5. Grow like a pro with these easy TLC tips!
Want your mums to look their best all season long? Discover practical tips for watering, placement, and care to keep your fall mums vibrant and thriving in any Zone 5 garden.
