Northwest Blooms · Printable checklist

Winter Garden Tasks Checklist

63 tasks across 9 sections · northwestblooms.com

Clean Up & General Maintenance

Remove fallen leaves and debris from pathways, patios, and beds to reduce pests and rot
Remove any annuals or vegetables that have fully died back
Tidy collapsed herbaceous perennials (keep stems with seedheads for wildlife if desired)
Cut back ornamental grasses if they’ve been flattened; otherwise wait until early spring
Pull winter weeds before they establish deep roots
Pick up storm debris, fallen branches, and broken stems after wind or snow events
Check drainage areas for blockages and clear standing water

Prune fruit trees (apple, pear, plum) while dormant
Prune roses lightly; structural pruning waits until late winter/early spring
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood from shrubs and trees
Prune summer-blooming shrubs (hydrangea paniculata, spirea, potentilla) in late winter
Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs until after they flower
Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses late winter
Trim back ferns only once new fiddleheads begin to emerge (late winter, early spring)

Add mulch around the base of perennials and shrubs to insulate roots
Wrap sensitive shrubs (like young broadleaf evergreens) with burlap in exposed locations
Protect graft unions on roses with mulch
Move containers to sheltered areas or group them together for insulation
Water evergreen plants during dry winter spells when daytime temps are above freezing
Brush heavy snow off conifers and shrubs; avoid knocking ice off branches
Use wind barriers such as burlap screens to reduce moisture loss from cold winter winds
Check mulch periodically and reapply if it has shifted or thinned during storms

Add compost to empty beds to enrich soil and improve structure
Apply organic mulch to protect soil surface, moderate temperature swings, and reduce winter weed growth
Test soil pH and nutrients to determine amendments needed for spring
Avoid walking on wet or frozen beds to prevent compaction
Top-dress around perennials and shrubs to build fertility before new growth begins
Cover bare soil with a light layer of mulch or compost to reduce erosion from winter rain

Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, or trees during mild winter periods to promote strong root growth
Check tree stakes and ties, loosening or removing them as plants mature
Inspect branches for winter damage and remove any broken or weakened growth
Cut back old hellebore foliage in late winter to showcase emerging blooms
Monitor evergreens for signs of winter burn and water during dry spells
Evaluate plant structure and note any pruning or shaping needed in early spring
Remove overwintering pest sites such as fallen leaves, fruit, and debris to reduce spring infestations

Turn off and drain irrigation systems
Disconnect hoses and store them indoors or sheltered
Inspect trellises, raised beds, and fences for needed repairs
Ensure greenhouse heaters and fans are functioning properly
Wash cold frames and greenhouse panels to maximize winter light
Secure lightweight structures and covers against winter winds to prevent damage
Lubricate hinges, latches, and moving parts on gates and greenhouse vents to prevent rust and sticking