Winter's nearly here, and it's wise to know what actions you should take to ensure your plants' survival. Outdoor Plants Make sure that plants are healthy going into winter. Some varieties benefit from one last feeding. Check for pests. Many insects such as aphids and lacewings feed until the first hard freeze.
Pest infestations can force plants into an early dormancy that decreases winter survival.
Mulching protects roots and conserves moisture. Placing one to two inches of bark or three inches of pinestraw or leaves under the canopy of a plant will protect it from sudden changes in temperature and soil moisture. Continue watering if necessary. Outdoor plants need water, even when they aren't actively growing. Periods of extended drought make plants more susceptible to injury when it is cold.