When winter rolls around, many people assume gardeners hibernate like bears, curling up with seed catalogs and dreaming of spring.
But not us, the true backyard warriors!
We know that winter is just another season to conquer. With the right tools, a little know-how, and maybe a few cups of hot cocoa, your backyard can thrive, even when the temperature starts dropping faster than the snow.
So, let’s gear up for some winter gardening magic with these top 11 cold-weather gardening tools!
1. Frost Covers and Garden Blankets
Alright, let’s talk frost covers.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried throwing old bedsheets over your plants in a pinch, only to have them freeze to a crisp by morning.
Let’s try to do better this year, shall we? 😊
Floating Row Covers
These are like the thermal underwear of the gardening world—lightweight, breathable, and just warm enough to get you through a chilly spell.
They’re perfect for those low-growing veggies like lettuce and spinach that think a light frost is an invitation to pack up for the season.
I suggest getting this extra-large floating row cover that you can trim to size. It’s also made of a good quality fabric so it’ll last longer than my New Year’s resolutions do.
Fleece Plant Jackets
If your plants could talk in a chilly winter, they’d ask, “Where’s my jacket?”
Reusable fleece jackets are great for individual plants and small shrubs. They give more protection than a row cover, and they come with drawstrings, making your plants snug as a bug in a rug.
It’s important to get the right size jacket for your plants, so measure your plants and check the dimensions before you hit that buy button.
This one’s great for small single plants (up to 23.6″D x 31.5″H) if you live in a place with very harsh winters. And here’s a pack of three fleece jackets that come in various sizes.
Cloches
Cloches always remind me of the glass domes they put over dishes at fancy restaurants—but these ones are for your plants. Some people call them bell covers because they quite obviously look like a bell.
Cloches are perfect for protecting seedlings and herbs that act like drama queens at the slightest hint of cold. I’ve used them on everything from basil to broccoli.
These clear plastic cloches are perfect for protecting your plants from rain, wind, frost and snow.
2. Insulated Garden Gloves
There’s nothing worse than ice cold fingers when you’re keeping yourself busy outside. Save yourself from frostbite this winter and invest in some proper gloves. This is an investment that will pay off day after day through the chilly seasons.
Here are two good options to try:
Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof garden gloves keep your hands warm and dry, no matter how wet and cold things get.
These double-rubber coated gloves are great because they give you a firm grip on your tools and you can pop them in the machine for a wash at the end of the day. They come in different sizes too (there’s a size chart to help you find the right size) and you get a free one-month trial to test them out.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves should be another staple in your shed. They keep your hands warm and protect you from thorns, scratches and biting things.
These elbow-length leather gloves are comfy and flexible, come in different colors and sizes (for men and women), are perfect for heavy-duty tasks like pruning thorny bushes or hauling firewood, and they don’t slip down like some other garden gloves do.
3. Heated Propagation Mats
If you’re the kind of gardener who loves to start seeds early, or if you’ve got a greenhouse that gets colder than your Aunt Mabel’s drafty attic, then heated propagation mats are your new best friend.
They’re basically like heated blankets for your plants—without the risk of overheating.
Waterproof Seedling Heat Mats
These 2-pack heating pads are a game-changer for starting seeds indoors (just make sure you get the right size for what you need).
Get the right mat and you’ll provide just enough warmth to convince your seeds that it’s spring—even when it’s clearly not.
Adjustable Temperature Mats
If you’re growing more finicky plants that need precise conditions (looking at you, orchids), go for a mat that’s waterproof and has adjustable heat settings, like this one from Amazon.
That way, you can dial in the perfect temperature and keep your plants cozy, no matter what they like.
4. Cold Frames and Mini Greenhouses
Now, if you’re serious about winter gardening then it’s time to talk cold frames and mini greenhouses. These are the Fort Knox of winter protection, perfect for extending your growing season or giving your plants a fighting chance against Old Man Winter.
Cold Frames
Think of cold frames as tiny sunrooms for your plants. They trap heat and keep the cold at bay, giving your plants a nice, warm environment to keep growing.
Cold frames come in many shapes and sizes. They can be used for raised bed protection, or as a freestanding unit in different materials like:
- wood,
- polycarbonate (the most expensive but the most durable),
- and aluminum frames (great for hot and cold weather).
Here’s a tip I picked up from a friend of mine: To keep your cold frame even warmer in winter, position it with a fence, wall, or thick shrub on its north-facing side.
Mini Greenhouses
A mini greenhouse is a game-changer when it comes to gardening.
They come in many shapes and sizes, and you can choose one for indoors or outdoors.
Some mini greenhouses are:
- portable with PVC covers,
- some are made for indoors and have their own grow lights,
- some are raised with roll-up zipper doors,
- and others are for the great outdoors and big enough to be called a “walk-in”.
5. Thermometers
Winter gardening often involves playing the waiting game with temperatures. A thermometer can help you monitor the conditions in your soil and inside your greenhouse or cold frame, ensuring your plants stay within their happy temperature ranges.
Analog Soil Thermometer
A good-quality analog soil thermometer helps you monitor the temperature of the soil, making sure it’s suitable for planting, germination, or protecting existing plants. Be sure to look for a model with a long, durable probe that can easily penetrate the soil and give you accurate readings.
Measure the soil temperature at various depths and times of day since temperatures can fluctuate, especially near the surface.
This helps you determine the best time to plant cool-season crops, manage overwintering plants, and apply mulch or other protective measures to keep your backyard healthy through the winter.
Digital Thermometer
Digital greenhouse thermometers often come with humidity sensors and can give you a better idea of what’s happening inside your greenhouse, cold frame, or even your home seed-starting setup. They’re a great cost-effective way to keep your plants happy and get the best results.
This digital thermometer is extremely accurate for temperature and humidity readings (±1°F), refreshes every 10 seconds, and even keeps track of the highs and lows so you know what’s been happening with your plants.
6. Mulch and Insulation
I talk a lot about mulch in my blog posts and in the Facebook groups, so I couldn’t leave it out here!
Mulch, to put it simply, is your garden’s favorite winter blanket. A thick layer of mulch can protect your plants’ roots from freezing, conserve moisture, and even prevent weeds. Plus, when the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. It’s like a three-for-one deal that you can’t pass up!
I highly recommend two types of mulch for winter gardens (though any mulch is better than no mulch)…
Straw Mulch
Sustainable straw mulch is great for vegetable beds as it spreads easily and gives excellent insulation.
I suggest not using hay in the place of straw—unless you want a backyard full of grass come spring.
Bark Mulch
Bark mulch is perfect for perennial beds and around trees (here’s an organic option that’s safe to use around pets and kids).
Bark mulch is heavier than straw, so it doesn’t blow away, and it looks nice, too.
7. Pruners and Shears
Winter is the perfect time to prune your trees and shrubs, especially when the branches are bare and you can see the shape more clearly. Quality pruners are essential for clean cuts that heal quickly, reducing the chance of disease.
I have two trusty tools in my shed for cold-weather gardening…
Bypass Pruners
Ideal for live branches, bypass pruners make clean cuts and are great for pruning small branches and stems. I recommend looking for ones with a comfortable grip and a locking mechanism to keep them safely closed.
These Japanese pruners are very popular and loved, as are these trusty aluminum shears.
Anvil Pruners
Best for dead wood, anvil pruners have a single straight blade that cuts against a flat surface, giving you more power to cut through thicker branches.
I recommend spoiling yourself with this German-made, professional anvil pruner. All parts are replaceable and it’ll last for years to come with proper care.
8. Weatherproof Plant Labels
If you’re anything like me, you’ve planted things in the fall and forgotten what they were by spring.
Weatherproof plant labels help keep track of what’s where in your garden. They’re perfect for sown seeds and identifying perennial beds that you want to protect.
Plastic Plant Labels with Marker
An affordable and versatile option, large white plastic plant markers like these come with waterproof markers that don’t wash away in rain or snow. Or choose multi-colored plant markers so you’ll never lose sight of your markers again.
Durable Metal Plant Labels
These are a step up from plastic labels and totally worth the investment as they’ll last through all weather conditions without fading or breaking. Plus, they just look more professional!
There are several options when it comes to metal plant labels, such as:
– Zinc plant labels, with a two-foot design for easy insertion and relocation.
– Black stainless steel plant labels, also with two feet and paint to prevent rust.
– Premade steel plant labels with a rustic farmhouse charm. You can’t write on these but there are well over 30 labels to choose from, including “I don’t know” for when you just don’t know!
Ceramic Plant Labels
Looking for some durable stoneware to use as plant labels that can withstand extreme temperatures?
Then choose these cute ceramic plant labels. You can write on either side of these labels – use a permanent marker to write on the smooth glazed side and a pencil to write on the rough side.
All done? Great. Wipe your labels clean and use them again and again for years to come.
9. Snow Shovels and Outdoor Brooms
You might not think of snow shovels as gardening tools, but in winter they’re essential for keeping paths clear and protecting your backyard structures from heavy snow. Pair a snow shovel with an outdoor broom to sweep away debris and snow, and you’ll be able to keep your backyard tidy even in the off-season.
Ergonomic Snow Shovel
A snow shovel with an ergonomic design will help to reduce strain on your back, especially if you’re clearing snow from a large area.
A quick tip: Metal blades are best for heavy snow, while plastic shovels are lighter and easier to handle. And if you have little ones visiting or running around, be sure to get them to help with their own kids snow shovel.
Heavy-Duty Outdoor Broom
A heavy-duty broom like this one is great for sweeping away light snow, fallen leaves, or mud that accumulates during winter. Opt for one with stiff bristles for better control over debris
10. Plant Protection Spray
This might sound like something out of a gardening fairy tale, but plant protection sprays are real, and they can be quite magical! These sprays create a protective barrier on plant surfaces, reducing moisture loss and protecting plants from winter burn and stress.
Wilt-Pruf comes in a concentrate to be mixed for larger areas and a spray bottle for smaller projects and indoor plants. An anti-dessicant spray like this locks in moisture to prevent water loss and can protect your plants for up to 3 months in the cold months (and 1-2 months in spring and summer). It even works on cut flowers! Just spray the mixture onto the leaves of your plants and leave it to dry, and you’re all done.
11. Winter Insect Spray
Ever wonder where all those insect pests suddenly come from when the weather warms up?
Well, they’ve probably been sleeping in your yard all winter!
This is called overwintering – when insects enter a dormant state for the cold season, hiding in sheltered places like under bark, in soil, or in fallen leaves. Many insects do it, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. They often lay eggs or find shelter in these protected areas, and they wake up in spring ready to go.
Neem oil is an excellent pest control solution that removes overwintering insects. It comes from the seeds of the neem tree, can be used for organic gardening (check the product label first), is biodegradable, can be used on all plants, and is unlikely to harm pollinators (but keep it away from fish and other aquatic animals).
Just follow the instructions on the packaging to remove all stages of insect pests’ life cycle, including the eggs.
So there you have it—my top winter gardening essentials. With these items in your shed, you’ll be ready to face whatever winter throws your way, and even enjoy it!
After all, there’s nothing quite like working outside while everyone else is bundled up indoors. Happy winter gardening!
