Gardening expert reveals 5 quick fixes to save your garden this winter
Published 6:00 pm Friday, January 30, 2026
Cold weather can quietly undo months of hard work in the garden. While you might think winter means putting your tools away until spring, a few expert-backed quick fixes can protect your plants and soil right now, and help everything bounce back strong when warmer days return.
Patrick Martin, horticulture expert at Frantoio Grove, a premium California-based olive farm committed to regenerative organic farming, has shared his top five quick fixes to save winter gardens.
“These aren’t complicated tasks,” says Martin. “They’re simple interventions that protect your investment and prevent the kind of damage that sets gardens back for an entire growing season.”
Below, Martin reveals the five most effective quick fixes every gardener should prioritize this winter.
5 Easy Ways to Save Your Winter Garden
Mulch Now to Lock in Warmth
Mulch is the winter lifesaver most gardens are missing. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants creates an insulating blanket that can mean the difference between thriving roots and frost damage.
Apply 5–8cm of mulch around plants using materials like bark chips, straw, leaf mould, or compost. Focus on perennials, shrubs, and newly planted areas that are most vulnerable to temperature swings.
“Mulch insulates roots, prevents frost damage, and stops soil from freezing solid,” explains Martin. “It also helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, so you’re solving multiple problems with one simple fix.”
Protect Vulnerable Plants from Frost
Even one hard frost can kill tender plants. The good news is that protection doesn’t require expensive equipment or complicated setups.
Use horticultural fleece, old bedsheets, or breathable fabric to cover vulnerable plants overnight. For smaller plants, turn pots upside down over them as makeshift shields. Move containers against walls or bring them indoors temporarily during particularly cold snaps.
“The key is to remove covers during the day to prevent moisture buildup and rot,” Martin advises. “You want to protect plants from frost, not create a damp environment that encourages disease.”
Prune Only What’s Necessary
Winter pruning mistakes are common and costly. While it might be tempting to tidy up the garden, aggressive pruning now can do more harm than good.
Remove only dead, diseased, or broken stems. Leave most pruning tasks until late winter or early spring when plants are preparing for new growth.
“A lot of plants rely on old growth for frost protection and next season’s flowers,” says Martin. “Those dried seed heads and brown stems might not look pretty, but they’re serving an important purpose through winter.”
Water Sparingly, but Don’t Stop Completely
One of the biggest misconceptions about winter gardening is that plants don’t need water. While watering requirements drop dramatically, plants still need moisture, especially evergreens and containers.
Water on mild, frost-free days, prioritizing containers and newly planted shrubs. These plants are most at risk because their root systems can’t access deep soil moisture like established plants.
“Dry roots are more vulnerable to cold damage than moist ones,” Martin explains. “Think of it like how moisturized skin handles cold better than dry, cracked skin. The same principle applies to plant roots.”
Lift, Drain, or Raise Pots
Winter waterlogging kills more plants than cold temperatures. When soil stays saturated, roots suffocate and rot, undoing all your careful planting work.
Raise pots on feet or bricks to allow excess water to drain freely. Check that drainage holes aren’t blocked by compacted soil or debris. After heavy rain, tip excess water out of saucers and trays.
“I see more container plants lost to drowning than freezing,” says Martin. “Good drainage is non-negotiable in winter. Even cold-hardy plants can’t survive if their roots are sitting in waterlogged soil for weeks on end.”
Patrick Martin, Horticulture Expert at Frantoio Grove, commented:
“These quick fixes protect roots and plants immediately. They’re prevention, not perfection. Each one addresses a specific winter threat that can cause long-term damage if ignored.
“What I love about these interventions is that they work together. Mulching keeps soil temperatures stable while good drainage prevents waterlogging. Protected plants can focus energy on survival rather than recovery. Strategic watering supports root health without creating problems.
“The gardeners who take action now will see the difference in spring. Their plants will emerge stronger, flower earlier, and require less intervention because they weren’t stressed all winter. Aside from being quick fixes, these are investments in your garden’s future. A few hours of work now prevents months of playing catch-up later.”
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