As colder weather settles in, it’s time to give your garden the care it needs to rest, recharge, and come back even stronger in spring. Winterizing doesn’t have to be complicated — with a simple checklist and the right supplies, you can protect your plants, tools, and outdoor spaces from winter damage. At Cropley’s Garden Center, we have everything you need, including compost, mulch, burlap, winter wraps, and soil, to help you button up your landscape before the deep freeze.

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1. Cut Back Perennials

Once perennial foliage turns brown or collapses, trim stems a few inches above the soil. This reduces disease, removes pest-harboring debris, and keeps beds tidy.

Pro tip: Leave seed heads on ornamental grasses for winter beauty and wildlife support.

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2. Add Compost and Mulch

After trimming, enrich beds with a layer of compost to restore nutrients, then top with 3–4 inches of mulch for insulation.

Mulch helps by:
• Preventing freeze–thaw damage
• Protecting crowns and roots
• Conserving soil moisture

👉 Pick up compost, premium mulch, and soil blends at Cropley’s.

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3. Protect Tender Shrubs with Burlap

Broadleaf evergreens and young shrubs benefit from added protection. Use burlap wraps or screens to shield them from winter winds that cause leaf burn.

What you’ll need: Burlap, wooden stakes, twine — all available at Cropley’s.

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4. Empty and Store Outdoor Pots

Clay, ceramic, and terracotta pots can crack in freezing temperatures.
• Remove soil
• Let pots dry completely
• Store upside down in a shed or garage

If you keep winter-safe containers outdoors, elevate them on pot feet to improve drainage.

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5. Drain Hoses and Irrigation Lines

Water left in hoses or watering systems expands when frozen, causing cracks and leaks.

Make sure to:
• Unhook hoses
• Drain completely
• Store indoors
• Shut down irrigation lines for the season

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6. Clean, Sharpen, and Store Garden Tools

A little maintenance goes a long way. Clean off dirt, oil metal blades, and store tools in a dry location to prevent rust.

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7. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Spigots

Use foam faucet covers or insulation to prevent pipes from freezing.

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Printable Winter Checklist

Make winterizing easy by keeping this on hand:

Garden Winter Prep:
✔ Cut back perennials
✔ Add compost
✔ Mulch beds
✔ Wrap or screen shrubs
✔ Empty and store pots
✔ Drain hoses and irrigation
✔ Clean and store tools
✔ Protect outdoor faucets

Print and keep it in your shed or garage for quick reference. CLICK HERE

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Visit Cropley’s for All Your Winter Prep Supplies

We carry everything you need to winterize your garden:
• Compost and mulch
• Burlap and winter wraps
• Soil and amendments
• Stakes, ties, and garden tools
• Winter greens and seasonal décor

Stop by and let our expert team help you prepare your garden for the cold months ahead.

Cropley’s Garden Center
📍 1262 Boston Turnpike, Bolton, CT 06043
📞 (860) 649-6364

Prep now, protect all winter — spring will thank you.