Garden Advice for Winter 2025
- Dec 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
12/06/2025
A Note from the Master Gardeners
Wishing you a happy holiday season! These winter months are a great time to plan for the coming year, and we have plenty of garden ideas and resources to share below.
Want an extra bit of joy indoors as the temperatures dip? We have a new guide on forcing bulbs for winter blooms.
Plus, remember you can always contact us to get help with your plant questions. Head to our website to sign up for upcoming classes and visit the Extension website for helpful gardening information.
Don’t forget to save the date for our spring plant sale on May 16, 2026!
— Your friendly neighborhood Master Gardener
Winter Garden Activities
December
Protect plants from animal damage and cold damage
Order seed catalogs
Visit local winter farmers markets
January
Plot out seed-starting schedule, stratify seeds needing long cold treatments
Check houseplants for signs of disease, stress
Take inventory of garden gear
February
Prune trees & shrubs — if you haven’t already, now is a good time to prune oaks to prevent oak wilt
Try winter-sowing cool-season seeds
Winter Garden Information
How to care for your garden pots in winter
Garden containers are a significant investment, and maintaining their condition during winter requires practical steps. Exposure to low temperatures can cause water trapped in the container’s material to freeze and expand, leading to cracks and permanent damage. Additionally, fungi, insects and mineral salts may threaten new plants. This guide offers practical tips for winterizing garden containers so they’re ready for spring use.
Support pollinators, insects and birds during the winter months
As the seasons transition and the winter chill arrives, did you know that many insects overwinter in our yards and gardens? Supporting hibernating insects is an important part of maintaining a healthy and thriving ecosystem. By taking steps to support these insects during their dormant period, you can help ensure their survival and contribute to the overall biodiversity of our environment.
Our warming autumns
Have you noticed Minnesota falls getting warmer in recent years? Sensed that the summer's heat is bleeding into September and sometimes even October? It's not just a feeling: Minnesota autumns have been getting warmer and frosts are coming later. Learn more from the UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership.
Quiz! Where to start: invasive plant management
As the growing season winds down, it’s a good time to take a break and reflect on the larger picture of invasive species management – what was accomplished, what to prioritize next, and long-term goals. Check out this quiz from the MN Dept. of Agriculture to help you with your weed-management plan.
New indoor farmers market open in downtown Saint Paul
The St. Paul Farmers Market has opened a year-round indoor market and country store in lowertown. The market will be open daily with fresh veggies and prepared foods.
Planning a bee lawn next year? Here’s a beginner’s guide
Bee lawns include flowering plants that provide nectar for pollinators, providing important way stations for our insect allies. Bee lawns also come with several benefits to homeowners, including reduced maintenance and water requirements and vibrant seasonal color. Read on to learn how to start your own bee lawn this spring.
Lack of snow cover and autumn moisture can threaten landscape plants
Lack of snow cover and dry, droughty conditions like we’ve seen this fall can negatively influence winter soil temperatures and cause root injury. Water trees and shrubs until the ground is frozen, consider adding additional mulch to make up for minimal snow depth, and check out these other winter-plant-protection tips.
More Resources to Help You Grow
University of Minnesota Extension
Ask a Master Gardener Online & Phone Services
U of MN Extension Yard and Garden News
Ramsey County
Yard Waste & Food Scraps Drop-off Locations
