Putting your garden to bed for the winter...

Fitzfern

What do you do to prepare your garden for the winter ahead? I'm in Seattle, I think that's zone 5. Last year I didn't do much and we had an unusually cold, snowy winter and I lost some plants. I have a vegetable garden that still has some things going in and hopefully will until it frosts. Other than that it's starting to look pretty shabby. I've heard raking up the leaves, chopping them with the mower, and using them to mulch is a good idea. Any other suggestions? thanks!!

Dr.Loretta

I cut back my roses, cut down my dahlia, and later in the winter I"ll chop my ornamental grasses back. Everything else is going to have to deal

Fitzfern

I'll probably cut a few things back too but also wait until early spring to do the dividing, etc. I found a good article with more tips for anyone that's interested.

http://www.hortmag.com/article/waittoclean 

scooter028

If your local cooperative extension office has a website, they usually have great seasonal local information. 

Alisha_A

I wouldn't cut anything back this time of year. I just put out more mulch/future compost and if you have plants you think need it, cover them.