Gardening in winter can be difficult, especially gardening in snow. Even cold-hardy plants can struggle when snow falls, especially if it continues for prolonged periods of time. 

Luckily, there are several things gardeners can do to prepare their plants for winter and protect them from snow damage.

Here are a few ways you can help your plants survive snow and cold temperatures:

Wrap fruit trees

If you have fruit trees or other large plants, wrapping them in a protective layer is one of the best ways to prevent snow damage. 

Use burlap or a similar tough but breathable material to wrap up your trees and hold the branches secure. This prevents snapping and breaking due to the weight of accumulated snow.

Protect plants with cloches

Most cloches intended for plants are made of glass and used for tender plants grown indoors. However, a cloche can also protect plants from snow and freezing temperatures outside.

 Instead of the expensive and breakable glass options, however, opt for a plastic alternative. You can easily DIY cloches from upcycled clear plastic water bottles if you prefer.

Insulate with mulch

Before the cold sets in, add a fresh layer of mulch to your garden. Mulching has an insulating effect that can protect plant roots from freezing. 

For a last-minute mulch alternative, you can spread old newspapers around the base of your garden for protection. While not as insulating as organic matter, the newspaper can shield the surface of the soil from frost.

Choose cold-hardy plants

If plants are naturally resistant to cold weather, you’ll have a much easier time keeping them alive and happy through a harsh winter. 

Choosing cold-hardy vegetable plants, shrubs, trees and flowers for your garden will save you time and energy. Cypress, boxwood, catmint and spruce are all examples of snow-resistant plants to consider.

Protecting plants from snow will save you money and effort when spring eventually rolls around. With these tips, your garden will be ready for whatever winter has to offer.