As our vibrant summer gardens settle into the colder months here on Cape Cod, it’s time to prepare those gardens for winter. Our unique coastal climate, which includes strong winds, freezing temperatures, and salty air, can make winter garden care challenging yet highly rewarding. Careful and thoughtful garden maintenance can help ensure that your plants will survive the cold and even thrive in the spring.
Our Agway guide provides practical, season-specific advice for winter garden care in Cape Cod, helping you keep your landscape healthy and resilient.
Winterizing Perennial Plants
Perennials are the foundation of most Cape Cod gardens, bringing both color and texture to our landscapes. Proper winter preparation can help these plants survive the cold months.
Cut Back and Clean Up
Many perennials benefit from being cut back to prevent rot and disease. Prune dead or dying foliage and trim plants as close as you can close to the soil. While doing this, it’s important to avoid cutting them back too much, as this can expose crowns to frost damage. For plants with hollow stems, cut at an angle to prevent water from pooling and freezing inside.
Mulch Generously
Applying mulch in late fall provides essential insulation for plants, protecting roots from freezing and thawing cycles that can cause the soil to shift. Use a layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded bark, and make sure that layer is around 3–4 inches deep. Keep mulch a couple of inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Divide Overgrown Plants
If any perennials have grown too dense, divide them in the fall to promote healthier growth next spring. Replant divisions with adequate spacing to avoid crowding, which can lead to disease.
Preparing Shrubs and Trees for Winter
Trees and shrubs provide structure to Cape Cod gardens and require specific care to endure some of the harsh weather elements we will likely see this winter.
Prune Selectively
Pruning shrubs in late fall helps reduce winter damage from ice and snow. Remove any broken, diseased, or crossing branches, as these are more prone to breakage. Avoid heavy pruning of flowering shrubs, as this can reduce spring blooms. Looking for a new pruner? Try our Comfort Gel Bypass Pruner.
Wrap for Protection
Cold winds and salt spray can damage vulnerable shrubs like hydrangeas. Use burlap wraps around sensitive shrubs and secure them loosely to allow airflow while providing a wind barrier. Burlap bags can also help insulate young trees or newly planted saplings. Avoid using plastic wraps, as they can trap moisture and lead to rot.
Water Thoroughly Before Frost
Cape Cod winters are often dry, so be sure to water your trees and shrubs deeply in the late fall (now!). This moisture gives plants a better chance of withstanding cold winds and helps them maintain healthy roots.
Annuals: To Keep or Compost?
Annuals usually don’t survive the winter, but you can decide to either save, store, or compost them.
Collect Seeds for Next Season
Many annuals, like marigolds or cosmos, produce seeds that can be saved and replanted. Collect seeds now and store them in a cool, dry place for future use.
Compost Old Plants
Dead or dying annuals can be pulled up and added to your compost pile, enriching the soil for next spring. If any of your annuals have pests or disease, you should get rid of them separately to prevent contamination.
Consider Overwintering Container Plants Indoors
If you have any annuals in containers, we recommend bringing them indoors or into a sheltered space for the upcoming cold months. Plants like geraniums or begonias can survive in a sunny indoor spot, giving you a head start on your garden for next spring!
Protecting Coastal Plants from Salt and Wind
We absolutely love being on the coast, but it comes with unique elements that can cause our gardens face unique challenges, particularly with salt spray from the ocean and strong winds. Taking steps to protect these plants can make a significant difference.
Plant in Wind-Sheltered Areas
If possible, position any sensitive plants in spots that are naturally sheltered from prevailing winds, such as behind walls or fences.
Apply an Anti-Desiccant Spray
Anti-desiccant sprays create a protective coating on leaves, reducing moisture loss from winter winds. Use these sprays in late fall on plants sensitive to dehydration, such as evergreens.
Rinse Leaves/Foliage to Remove Salt
Incoming winter storms will leave a salt residue on our plants due to our climate and location. Be sure to rinse the leaves or foliage on your plants, trees, and shrubs with fresh water as soon as temperatures allow. Salt can dehydrate plants and damage leaves, so removing it promptly helps maintain plant health.
Winterizing Lawns on Cape Cod
As most of us know, our lawns require a little extra care to bounce back after winter. Prepare your lawn properly to ensure a lush, green landscape when spring rolls around.
Aerate and Fertilize
Aerating the lawn in early fall allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, which can help grass survive the winter. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nourish the lawn throughout the winter.
Mow Low in the Final Cut
When you do your final lawn mow of the season, set the mower to a lower setting to keep grass shorter. This helps prevent snow mold and keeps the lawn looking clean and crisp.
Keep it Clear of Debris
Leaves, branches, and other debris left on your lawn can suffocate grass and create a breeding ground for pests and disease. Rake up debris in the fall and remove any obstacles.
Maintaining Hardscapes and Garden Structures
Winter can be rough on garden and yard structures, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent damage and maintain safety.
Clean and Repair Pathways
Stone paths, decks, and patios are subject to wear and tear from snow, ice, and salt. Clean surfaces in late fall, and repair cracks where water is likely to freeze and expand.
Protect Containers and Pots
Terracotta pots and other containers can crack if left outside in the cold. Move delicate containers to a sheltered space or empty them and turn them upside down to prevent moisture from freezing inside.
Check Fences and Trellises
Strong winds can damage or dislodge structures, so inspect all of your fences, trellises, and arbors. Repair or reinforce anything that looks unstable, ensuring your garden’s framework will be ready to support plants next year.
Starting a Winter Composting System
Composting isn’t just a warm-weather activity. With some adjustments, you can compost year-round on Cape Cod, enriching your soil for next season.
Use a Covered Compost Bin
Invest in a compost bin with a lid to keep out excess moisture and insulate the pile. Turning the pile occasionally helps retain warmth and speeds up decomposition.
Balance the Ingredients
In winter, add a mix of browns (e.g., dead leaves, shredded paper) and greens (e.g., kitchen scraps) to maintain a healthy compost balance. Avoid adding too many green materials, as they may rot rather than break down in colder temperatures.
Insulate the Compost Pile
Adding a layer of straw or cardboard on top of your compost pile helps trap heat, keeping the microbes active even in cold weather.
Planning for Spring: Early Preparation Tips
Winter is a also great time to plan improvements for the coming year. These small steps can jumpstart your spring garden and make it easier to get growing next year!
1. Start a Garden Journal
Take note of what worked well in the past season, and plan any changes or additions for the spring. A journal can also help you track any pests or diseases you noticed, making it easier to prevent problems next year.
2. Order Seeds and Bulbs
Many gardeners order seeds or bulbs in the winter to ensure they have access to their favorite varieties. Planning ahead also allows you to start indoor sowing if desired.
3. Clean and Sharpen Tools
Winter is the perfect time to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Properly maintained tools make spring planting and pruning more efficient and less labor-intensive.
Prepare Your Garden for Winter
Cape Cod’s winter climate brings its share of challenges for us gardeners, but with a proactive approach, we can all keep our gardens healthy and ready for the coming season. From mulching perennials to protecting coastal plants from salt and wind, these simple steps ensure that your garden will emerge from winter ready to grow. By putting in a little extra effort now, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, thriving landscape that celebrates the beauty of every season on Cape Cod.
Come visit any of our locations to stock up on gardening tools to help you best preserve your garden this winter!