How to Garden Flowers in Winter

by Nikki Cash

Step 1

Water the plants in the early stages of frost to provide plenty of moisture for the roots.
Step 2

Add the last batch of fertilizer at half strength, mid-to-late August, depending on the feeding schedule. Then stop fertilization for perennials during the winter completely.
Step 3

Pot delicate flowers, such as geranium and calendula, and bring them inside. Water the pots and keep them sheltered before positioning them in sunny areas to overcome transplanting shock. Wait a week before bringing up the heat, to acclimate the flowers to the temperature change.
Step 4

Trim wilted plants back to the ground after the first frost. Leave an inch or two for stem identification. Remove any leaves and branches from the garden's area. Pull back leftover mulch from the summer.
Step 5

Cover the ground with 2 to 3 inches of soil mixed with compost after the first frost. Cover the ground with a thicker mulch for surface-dwelling perennials like iris and peonies.
Step 6

Wrap shrubs with paper or burlap to protect them from harsh winter winds. Compost can still be added through the top of the wrap.
Step 7

Remove wraps or extra mulch from flowers and shrubs as the temperature warms in early spring.