Winter Recovery 101: A Gardener’s Guide to Spring Prep

Spring is Coming! What Should You Do in the Garden Right Now?

Hey, gardeners! As winter winds down, we always hear the same question: What should I do in my garden now that spring is (finally!) on the horizon?

The good news? You don’t have to rush. Right now, it’s too early to do much of anything, and trying to start too soon can actually do more harm than good. Instead, let nature take the lead—let the snow melt, the ground warm up, and the plants wake up on their own. Then, when the time is right, you can jump in and give your garden the fresh start it deserves.

 

Worried About Tree and Shrub Damage? Don’t Panic—Time Will Tell.

After a long, harsh winter, it’s common to see shrubs and trees looking a little rough. This is often referred to as winter kill or winter damage. Broadleaf evergreens like azaleas, rhododendrons, and hollies are especially prone to browning leaves or bare spots. While cold weather plays a role, the real issue is dehydration!

Here’s why: Snow actually helps insulate plants, but anything sticking out above the snow—leaves, branches, stems—is exposed to cold, dry winds and bright winter sun. These conditions pull moisture from the plant, just like how your lips get chapped in the winter. The problem is that the ground is frozen, so plants can’t pull in new moisture to replace what they’ve lost.

You might also notice some breakage on trees and shrubs, especially near rooflines where heavy snow piles up. However, resist the urge to start pruning or clearing them out just yet—branches are brittle right now, and handling them too soon could cause more damage. Wait for the snow to melt and temperatures to warm up before making any big decisions.

Mice, Moles, and Voles—Oh My!

As the snow melts, you might discover some unexpected visitors have been snacking on your plants. Mice, moles, and voles love deep snow because it lets them move around safely without burrowing underground.

Look for damage near the base of trees and shrubs, especially where the bark has been chewed away. If the bark has been stripped all the way around a branch or trunk, the plant likely won’t survive the summer. If it’s only partially chewed, there’s still a chance for recovery.

To prevent further damage, consider using Repels All or similar products to help push these critters out of your garden. A physical barrier around young trees and shrubs can also be used to prevent these little guys from going to town on your plants!

Will Your Plants Survive? Here’s How to Tell.

Patience is key! Many plants look worse than they really are in early spring. Before you assume the worst, try this trick:

• The Scratch Test: Gently scratch the bark on a branch with your fingernail. If the layer underneath is green and moist, the branch is still alive! If it’s brown and dry, that section is dead—but that doesn’t mean the whole plant is a lost cause. Keep moving down the branch; you may find healthy wood closer to the base.

It’s best to wait until late May before doing any major pruning. By then, new growth will start to emerge, making it easier to see what’s alive and what needs trimming.

Help Your Trees and Shrubs Bounce Back

Once the weather warms up, give your trees and shrubs a little boost with a good organic fertilizer.

We recommend Espoma Holly-tone for winter-damaged evergreens like azaleas and hollies, and Organic Plant Magic can be used on any plant. To apply:

1. Clear away any mulch around the base of the plant.
2. Lightly loosen the top layer of soil to ensure good contact with the fertilizer.
3. Spread the fertilizer around the drip line (the outer edge of the branches).
4. Replace the mulch, water well, and let the plant recover.

A little tip—pruning might be needed later, but hold off until you see where new growth appears!

 

Preventing Winter Damage in the Future

If winter damage is a recurring problem, you might want to try anti-desiccants, also known as plant sunscreen. These products create a harmless, transparent wax coating over broadleaf evergreens to help reduce moisture loss from wind and sun.

We recommend Wilt Stop by Bonide, but there are several good options out there. Anti-desiccants should be applied in late November or early December, after the first deep freeze, for best results.

 

What About Lawn Care?

We get a lot of questions like:

• Should I shovel snow off my lawn? No! Let it melt naturally.
• Is it time for crabgrass control? Not yet! Wait until late April or early May.

Once the ground has thawed and dried out, you can start thinking about fertilizing and seeding.

 

What Can You Do Right Now?

If you’re eager to start gardening, focus on cold-tolerant plants like pansies! These cheerful flowers can handle chilly weather and look beautiful in pots and window boxes. Just be ready to bring them inside if temperatures drop below freezing.

For even more early color, check out early-blooming perennials like primroses, hellebores, and bulbs. They brighten up indoor spaces now and can be planted outside as soon as the weather is mild enough.

And don’t underestimate the power of cut flowers! A simple bunch of daffodils or tulips can bring that spring feeling into your home while you wait for the real thing in your garden.

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Spring will be here before you know it! In the meantime, take it slow, give your plants time to wake up, and get ready for a beautiful growing season ahead.