Garden on Ice: Preparing For The Winter Freeze

In Ulysses, the first hard freeze typically hits in mid-October, so now’s the time to tuck your plants in for winter.

Before the Freeze:

● Water deeply a day or two ahead — hydrated roots handle cold better.

● Cover tender plants with sheets or frost cloth at night, and remove covers in the morning.

● Move pots indoors or into a sheltered garage or porch.

● Mulch around perennials to insulate roots and reduce frost heaving.

● Harvest remaining vegetables before frost damage sets in.

After the Freeze:

● Don’t rush cleanup — wait until temps steady to trim or clear beds.

● Inspect for damage and note what survived for next spring.

● Mix mulch into soil and add compost once the ground thaws.

A little attention now means less replanting later — and a garden that greets spring ready to grow.