To prepare plants for winter, bring tender outdoor plants indoors, move container plants to sheltered locations, and reduce watering for indoor plants. Apply a layer of mulch to outdoor plants to insulate roots and prevent frost heave. For indoor plants, move them away from cold drafts and heat sources like radiators, provide supplemental light if needed, and check for pests.
Outdoor Plants
Bring them inside:
Tropical and tender perennial plants should be moved indoors or to a protected space when temperatures start to drop into the 40s.
Protect potted plants:
For outdoor potted plants that can tolerate outdoor conditions, you can wrap their pots in burlap or bubble wrap for insulation.
Mulch perennials:
Apply a thick layer of mulch, like straw or chopped leaves, around the base of perennials once the ground freezes to moderate soil temperature.
Clean up garden beds:
Remove dead leaves, debris, and weeds from your garden beds to help prevent pests and diseases.
Address potential issues:
Check for pests and address any issues before bringing plants indoors to avoid infesting your other houseplants.
Indoor Plants
Adjust watering:
Plants need less water in winter due to less light, so check the soil moisture at root level and wait for it to dry out before watering again.
Manage location:
Move plants away from cold drafts from doors and windows and avoid placing them too close to heat sources like radiators.
Increase humidity:
Indoor heating can dry out the air, so consider using a humidifier or placing plants on a tray with pebbles and water to increase humidity.
Provide light:
With less natural light in winter, you may need to provide supplemental lighting to ensure plants get enough energy to thrive.
Clean foliage:
Wipe dust off plant leaves with a soft, damp cloth to keep them healthy and improve their ability to absorb light.
Fertilize less:
Reduce or stop fertilizing houseplants in winter, as they are not actively growing.
