As the colder weather arrives, you'll want to keep in mind that not all plants can withstand the winter weather, especially if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures around this time of year. The best thing you can do for your garden and your plants is to learn how to keep them protected: all year long. 

Let’s go through everything you need to know about overwintering to ensure you keep your plants happy and healthy when springtime rolls around.

What is overwintering?

Overwintering is the process of helping your plants survive through harsh winter conditions. There are several different ways you can help your plants survive through the winter. By taking these extra steps, you'll ensure that your plants will be able to be replanted or bloom again once springtime comes along.

Overwintering can take place in a lot of different ways. Most commonly, people take the plants that have been planted in containers and bring them inside. These plants can be placed in a basement, garage, or other protected areas. If you have dormant plants, you’ll want to make sure you put them in a dry space, and the temperature stays between 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Letting your plants still get exposed to the cold weather or winter light is okay, but you don't want to leave them out there in the elements completely unprotected. 

If you have a lot of plants in your garden that you want to protect, you can go as far as to dig up certain plants and bring them inside in a container, and then you’re able to replant them in the springtime. It’s up to you what steps you think are necessary to take to protect your garden from harsh weather changes.

Another method of overwintering your plants is simply covering them outdoors. Depending on the type of plant, you may be able to protect it with some burlap, but other plants can be covered with natural substances such as leaves. To do this, you can put wire around your plants, fill the area with leaves or hay, or even cover it in burlap, and it should help protect your plants throughout the winter. You can remove these coverings in the spring. Which will allow your plant to flourish naturally under warmer weather without ever having to dig them up. 

Not all plants are the same. Tropical plants, certain flowers, and trees all have different methods for overwintering. If you have a diverse garden, make sure you do your research before you start the overwintering process.

Overwintering and keeping plants happy during winter

If you’re planning to start planting any plants or vegetables during the winter months, you can start your container plants indoors, so that when spring comes along, they will be ready to be planted outside. This is a great way to allow your plants time to grow and bloom earlier and last longer throughout the year. 

If you start your plants indoors during the winter, make sure that they get enough sunlight, nutrients, and water so they can flourish when the time comes for them to be placed outdoors. Keep in mind, these plants will be treated differently than your dormant plants.

If you have plants with bulbs, it’s important to keep in mind that they are dormant during the winter season. To overwinter these types of flowers, you’ll want to dry out the bulbs. To start, cut back the remaining foliage, remove the bulb from the dirt and let it dry out completely. From there, you can store it in a dark area throughout winter and then replant them in the springtime. 

Planting your plants at the right time in the spring is also essential. Make sure you know when is the best time for your plants to be placed outdoors so that they can grow properly when the time comes. We recommend researching the plant's unique needs and requirements to ensure they thrive outdoors when spring arrives.

The best part about taking the time to overwinter your garden is that it will give you fresh produce: all year long. Some vegetables can thrive during the cold winter weather and will surprise you on the first few days of springtime. 

Here are a few to get you started:

• Brussel Sprouts 
• Onions 
• Spinach 
• Carrots 

Tips for bringing plants indoors before winter arrives

If you have a lot of plants you want to bring indoors before winter comes, here are a few things you should do before bringing them indoors:

• Try to avoid repotting your plants
• Place them in your kitchen or bathroom or purchase a humidifier if they don’t do well in dry spaces
• Be consider of the light and temperature of the room you put them in
• Bath them or use an insecticidal before transferring them indoors
• Purchase a grow light if you don’t have sufficient lighting 
• Avoid overwatering

Since your plants will most likely be receiving less light throughout the winter season, it’s vital to your plant’s growth to make sure you don’t overwater them throughout this time.