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(Family Features) As the chill of winter approaches, it's important to prepare your garden to withstand the cold months and emerge vibrant again in the spring

Before the first frost, take a walk around your garden to assess its current state and begin planning ahead for next growing season. As you review what worked well and make notes for improvements, keep these winterizing tips in mind before the weather turns colder.

Protect Plants from the Cold

Start by identifying plants that need to be moved indoors or to a sheltered location. For those that can survive winter with minimal intervention, like perennials and shrubs, add a thick layer of mulch to insulate plant roots from freezing temperatures and retain soil moisture. For more delicate plants, consider burlap wraps, frost covers or cloches to add an extra layer of protection.

Prepare the Soil for Spring

After your final harvest, clear any dead or dying plants to prevent the spread of disease. Turn the soil over and add compost to enrich it for the next growing season. Consider planting cover crops like clover or rye, which can be tilled into the soil in the spring to add organic matter, to help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health during the winter months.

Winterize Garden Tools and Equipment

Before storing them for winter, clean and sharpen your garden tools to help prevent rust and have them ready to use again in the spring. Drain fuel from your lawnmower and any other gas-powered equipment and store them in a dry, sheltered location until needed again.

Visit eLivingtoday.com for more tips to keep your lawn and garden lush and green.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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