1. Remove diseased plants (don’t compost them)

Look for: mold, black or brown spots, mushy stems,

or plants that rotted during fall.

• Put on gloves and pull the whole plant out, roots and all.
• Bag it for the trash/municipal yard waste
  

  (not your compost pile).

• Wash your hands and wipe your tools when you’re done.

If a plant simply turned brown from cold but wasn’t sick, you can compost it. When in doubt, throw it out.

2. Cut back perennials (leave a winter “stump”)

Perennials are plants that come back every year, like hostas, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans.

• Snip the dead, brown stems so that 2–3 inches remain above the soil.
• Skip cutting roses, evergreens, and lavender unless the growth is clearly dead.

3. Mulch garden beds (a blanket for the soil)

Use shredded leaves, straw, pine needles, or wood chips.

• Spread a 2–4 inch layer over bare soil.
• Keep mulch slightly away from plant stems and tree trunks.

Why: mulch keeps roots warmer, slows weeds, and gently feeds your soil.

4. Protect shrubs & young trees from wind

Cold wind can dry plants out more than snow.

• Wrap young trees, hydrangeas, roses, boxwoods, and blueberries.
• Use burlap, frost cloth, or an old sheet (never plastic).
• Wrap loosely so air can move and secure with string or twine.

5. Water before a deep freeze

Why: moist soil protects roots better than bone-dry soil.

• Water beds, shrubs, and young trees a day or two before a big freeze.
• Focus on raised beds, garlic, and any overwintering vegetables.

1. Start microgreens (7–14 day harvest)

Microgreens are tiny, edible baby plants that you harvest when they’re 2–3 inches tall.

• Use a shallow container with drainage holes and fill with potting soil.
• Sprinkle seeds (broccoli, radish, peas, sunflower) thickly over the top.
• Mist with water so the soil is moist but not soggy.
• Cover loosely for 2–3 days, then uncover and place in bright light.
• Cut with scissors when they reach 2–3 inches tall and enjoy.

2. Grow windowsill herbs

Great beginner choices: basil, parsley, chives, thyme, and mint.

• Plant each in a small pot with a drainage hole.
• Place them in a bright window (south-facing is ideal).
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry instead of on a schedule.

3. Inspect & clean garden tools

Clean tools last longer and are less likely to spread disease.

• Brush or wipe off dried dirt.
• Wash with warm, soapy water if needed.
• Dry completely and store in a dry spot.

4. Organize seeds & supplies

• Gather all seed packets in one place.
• Check dates and toss any that are very old or moldy.
• Sort into vegetables, herbs, and flowers so spring planning is easy.

Family garden tip

December is “dream and plan” month for kids.

• Let them look through seed catalogs and circle plants they like.
• Give them a page in a “garden journal” to name their future plants.
• Let them help choose which microgreens or herbs to grow indoors.

This builds ownership and excitement long before the first seed touches the soil.