Winter Is Coming: 5 Garden Tasks Before Hard Frost Sets In (And Yes, You Can Still Plant!)

As the days get shorter and temperatures dip into the 30s, it’s easy to assume that gardening season in Massachusetts is over. But before you stash your gloves and hose for the winter—hold up. There’s still plenty to do in your yard before the ground freezes solid. Late fall is actually one of the best times to prepare your garden for success next spring, and yes—you can still plant right now.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or a lifelong green thumb, this guide covers five essential end-of-season tasks to tackle before winter officially hits.

1. Tidy Up the Garden — But Don’t Overdo It

It’s tempting to clear every fallen leaf and cut every plant back, but a perfectly “clean” garden isn’t always best for nature—or your plants.

• Remove diseased or pest-infested foliage, especially from roses, or plants that had mildew or fungus.

• Leave some seed heads and stems (like coneflower or ornamental grasses) for winter interest and to feed birds.

• Rake leaves off lawns and pathways, but feel free to mulch them into garden beds—they add valuable organic matter and protect the soil. You can also shred leaves by mowing them and leave them on the lawn to add beneficial nutrients and also provide shelter for beneficial insects.

• Pull out spent annuals but leave hardy perennials in place; they’ll rebound in spring.

  By not cutting back perennials you're supporting local pollinators and wildlife through the colder months and also adding some nice structure to the landscape.

  
  

2. Water Deeply Before the Ground Freezes

Late fall watering might sound strange, but it’s crucial for your plants’ survival. Dry soil combined with freezing temperatures can damage root systems.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Water deeply once or twice a week (depending on rainfall) until the soil begins to freeze.

• Aim for 1 inch of water per week, enough to soak the soil 6–8 inches deep.

• Focus on new plantings—they’re the most vulnerable going into their first winter.

• Try to water in the morning, giving plants time to absorb moisture before nighttime freezes.

Once the ground hardens (typically around late November to early December in the Bedford / Metro West area), watering becomes unnecessary—and mostly ineffective.

3. Yes, You Can Still Plant! (Here’s How to Do It Right)

One of the biggest misconceptions about fall gardening is that once you hit October, you’re done planting. Not true!

Even after the average first hard frost—which historically falls around October 10–15 in the Greater Boston area—there’s still a planting window as long as the ground hasn’t frozen. The soil in November often stays warm enough (above 40°F) for root growth, which gives your plants a head start come spring. As soon as the ground thaws, the roots immediately start growing, this extra time in the fall and spring helps against summer droughts and aids in the plants overall resiliency.

What’s safe to plant now:

• Hardy perennials and grasses: our remaining selection is 75% off!

• Trees and shrubs: such as maples, hydrangeas, hollies, evergreens, viburnum, rhododendrons (35% off), and birches (50% off)

• Spring-blooming bulbs: tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocuses, hyacinths

What to avoid: tender annuals, tropical plants, or anything that can’t tolerate freezing temps.

Pro Tip: After planting, water thoroughly, then mulch around the base to insulate roots and retain moisture. Don’t pile mulch directly against trunks which can trap moisture and invite rot.

And right now is an ideal time to stock up because we still have plenty of trees and shrubs available at 25% - 75% off! It’s the perfect excuse to check a few spring projects off your list early.

4. Mulch, Protect, and Prep for Winter Weather

Mulching isn’t just for looks—it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your garden over winter. Here’s how it helps:

• Insulates roots from extreme temperature swings.

• Reduces soil erosion and compaction from snowmelt.

• Keeps weeds at bay come spring.

Spread 2–3 inches of bark mulch, compost, or even shredded leaves around trees, shrubs and perennials. For newly planted trees, keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

If you have sensitive shrubs (like boxwood or young hydrangeas), wrap them loosely with burlap to shield from drying winter winds and salt spray.

While you’re at it, take a moment to protect your hardscape and tools:

• Drain hoses and irrigation lines to prevent freezing.

• Cover statuary and containers or move them indoors to prevent cracking.

• Stack firewood in a dry, accessible place (and yes—we have plenty in stock! Seasoned firewood available in carts, pallets, 1/2 cords and cords and kiln dried available in pallets, 1/2 cords, and cords).

  
  

5. Feed the Birds & Local Wildlife

Your garden isn’t just for you—it’s also home to countless birds and beneficial insects, that stick around through winter. Supporting local birds and pollinators keeps your ecosystem balanced and vibrant.

• Leave seed heads on native plants like echinacea and sunflowers for natural food sources.

• Clean and refill bird feeders with high-energy seed mixes to help them through the cold winter months.

• Offer fresh water when possible—use a bird bath heater to keep the water from freezing.

• Shred and leave your leaves on your lawn and garden beds to offer a home for beneficial insects like native bees to winter over.

Feeding wildlife now makes your garden livelier all winter and gives pollinators a better start next spring.

Shop Local, Save Big, and Prep for Spring

At our Bedford garden center, we’re wrapping up the outdoor season—but we’re not done yet. We still have a wide range of trees, shrubs, mulch, stone, firewood, birdseed, and feeders in stock, along with deep discounts (25–75% off) select plants and materials.

Our team has been helping New England gardeners since 1880, so if you’re unsure what you can still plant or how to protect your landscape, stop by or give us a call, we’re here to help.

November might feel like the end of the gardening year, but it’s really just the quiet beginning of the next one. By cleaning up smartly, watering wisely, and planting while the soil is still workable, you’re setting your garden up for its best spring yet. The possibilities are endless!

*please note that the sales mentioned in this blog post are applicable to the time of posting, November 2025, please call us at 781-275-2525 or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for current sales.