Winter Garden Care for Seniors

Winter garden prep doesn't have to be hard. This senior-friendly guide is full of simple, low-effort tips to help Canadian gardeners care for their soil, tools, trees, and raised beds—without lifting heavy bags or stressing over every step. A gentle approach to a healthy garden next spring!

Get your garden ready for winter!

I know. After a season of sowing, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, canning, drying, saving seeds and freezing food, that's last thing we want is more work.
I just take a break, enjoy my garden and then I go back to putting my garden to bed. Then I concentrate on other stuff like giving the house a good clean.

Winter Garden Care for Canadian Gardeners

Soil Care (Gentle Fall Boost for Next Spring)

  • Sprinkle compost or aged manure on garden beds (1–2 inches is enough)
  • No digging needed — just let snow and worms work it in over winter
  • Tip: Use a small scoop or bucket to avoid heavy lifting

Optional: Plant a Cover Crop

  • Sow winter rye or clover in empty beds to nourish the soil
  • These protect the soil and improve it when tilled in next spring

🌳 Tree & Shrub Protection

  • Wrap young trees with tree wrap or burlap to prevent sunscald and critters
  • Use burlap screens to shield evergreens from wind
  • Tie up floppy branches gently with soft twine to prevent breakage
  • Tip: Focus on plants closest to the house or walkways

Tool Care & Shed Cleanup

  • Wash tools with water, dry thoroughly, then oil metal parts (vegetable oil is fine!)
  • Sharpen blades if comfortable—or ask your local hardware store for help
  • Hang tools or store in buckets of dry sand to prevent rust

Clear Water Pipes & Hoses

  • Shut off outdoor taps from inside if possible
  • Drain and coil hoses, then store indoors or in a shed
  • Drain any sprinkler or drip lines to prevent cracking
  • Tip: Don’t worry about doing it perfectly—just get most of the water out

Cover Raised Beds

  • After cleanup, spread mulch, cardboard, compost or chopped leaves over the soil
  • Cover beds with landscape fabric, burlap, or a tarp
  • Weigh it down with snow fencing, rocks or bricks — no nails or hammering required
  • This prevents weeds and helps warm soil faster in spring
back to: Seasonal Gardening


other pages at canadian-gardening.ca:

Winter Garden Checklist to Print
Know Your Garden Naturally
Companion Planting Chart and Growing Food.

Get Your Free Garden Tools