Winter To-Do List
Winter doesn’t have to mean a break from gardening—it’s actually the perfect time to plan, prepare, and get organized for spring. Whether you’re dreaming up new layouts, checking your tools, or exploring new planting ideas, there’s plenty to do during the colder months. Lily & Fern’s Winter To-Do List helps you make the most of the off-season with simple tasks that set your garden up for a vibrant comeback.
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- For the garden enthusiast, the long winters in our area can make it tough on those waiting to plant, prune, and pick.
What is a gardener to do? Even if you have been gardening for many years, here are some ideas to get you through the next few months. - Planning now makes for a more enjoyable spring.
Are you new to the area? You may need to consult with a pro at Lily and Fern. They will be happy to give you some advice on how to proceed with planting for your zone. Knowing your garden zone will also help you to determine when to begin your seeds. - Order seeds, bulbs, and other garden items in need of replacement.
Is it time for new seed trays? How about some new gardening gloves? - Mending and maintenance
Have your garden tools seen better days? Perhaps they need to be repaired, sharpened, etc.? Do you have a rototiller or other garden equipment requiring some attention?
Do you need to make improvements to pest and wildlife deterrents? Always be mindful of nontoxic vs toxic plants. When in doubt consult a professional.
Draw up a diagram for your garden- don’t forget to include raised beds and any supplies you may need for container gardening. Look for garden planning apps and software to help you with the process. - Change it up
If you haven’t looked into composting, this might be a great time to research it and figure out any materials you will need to be successful. - Is it time to change your garden location? Consider shade, incorporating flowers and pollinators into your vegetable garden, and perhaps some gourds and other flowering veggies along borders. It’s ok to change it up a little as long as you have suitable soil and adequate light for your plants.
Fall Prep for Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Fall is a crucial season for garden care, offering one last chance to nourish and protect your plants before winter sets in. From deadheading flowers to planting cold-hardy bulbs, thoughtful preparation now can lead to stronger blooms and healthier crops next season. Lily & Fern’s fall prep guide walks you through key steps to ensure your garden stays tidy, protected, and ready for spring.
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- Deadhead flowering plants and pull weeds
- If you decide to remove your annuals now, be sure to shake off as much soil as possible from the roots. You can compost healthy plants.
- Thin out perennials by separating tubers, rhizomes, and bulbs. If healthy, add them to your compost.
- Cold hardy bulbs for our area include- daffodils, iris, tulips, lilies, crocus, hyacinth, and snowdrops.
- Plant mums this time of year in zone 5 as long as they receive at least six hours of sunlight. If you discontinued your irrigation for the season you will need to remember to water them.
- While some folks prefer a tidy, uncluttered flower bed, there are some benefits to leaving a few leaves tucked in around these plants for the winter. As well, beneficial insects/pollinators will find them to be ideal hibernating locations. Just be sure to get them all cleaned out come spring.
- Leave behind seed-producing flowers. They feed birds and other wildlife through the winter.
- In your vegetable garden, remove any plants infested with pests or diseases. Do not compost any of these plants.
- Be sure to weed your vegetable garden in the fall. The more you do now the less you will need to tackle come spring.
- Mulch your leaves and place them in your vegetable garden. A good rule of thumb- layer brown with green when composting.
Fall is also a great time to get your soil test. Talk to a location professional to see what nutrients your particular garden is lacking.
Deer-Resistant Plants
In areas where deer are frequent visitors, protecting your garden starts with smart plant selection. Choosing deer-resistant varieties can save your flowers and vegetables from becoming a late-night snack. Lily & Fern’s guide introduces a variety of beautiful, cold-hardy plants that deer tend to avoid—helping you design a thriving garden with built-in protection.
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- Bee balm – Also called bergamot and Oswego tea, it produces vibrant, spiky flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
- Bluebell – A beautiful spring bloomer that produces striking trumpet- or bell-shaped blue flowers. Brunnera – A leafy shade plant that produces tiny, delicate, powder blue flowers.
- Catmint – A relative of catnip, it may attract the local cats to your garden. It does, however, bloom all through the summer and fall with spiky clusters of purple-blue flowers.
- Golden Chamomile – Also called golden marguerite, this 3-foot tall plant produces a spread of bright yellow daisy-shaped flowers.
- Jack in the Pulpit – It thrives in moist, shady spots.
- Lily of the Valley – A delicate sign of spring, Lily of the valley gives off a one-of-a-kind fragrance and is teeming with toxins, which means the deer give it a wide berth. It’s extremely tough, hardy down to zone 2.
- Lungwort – A wide, low-growing plant with speckled, bristly leaves and colorful flowers.
- Meadow Rue – A plant with spiky, delicate flowers high above its foliage for a unique look.
- Sea Holly – An extremely tough plant, it thrives in hot, dry, poor soil. True to its name, it even likes salt.
