Top 5 Winter Gardening Myths Debunked
Well, it’s officially December, and it’s officially cold. And if you are located anywhere in the eastern U.S., it’s highly likely that you’re in for a cold next couple of weeks, according to weather officials! For many, you may think that cold temperatures mean the gardening season has come to a halt; but we’re here to tell you–that’s not always the case!
In this blog, we plan to highlight the most common winter gardening myths and show you why the winter weather may not be holding you back as much as you initially thought. If gardening is your passion, take this as your sign to keep on growing!
Top 6 Winter Gardening Myths
Myth 1: "You can't plant in winter."
Believe it or not, cold-hardy plant species actually welcome winter conditions with open arms (or should we say branches?). So long as the soil stays above 32°F, plant roots can grow and establish themselves for a very successful life ahead.
Dormant plants actually have an easier time with less transplant shock than specimens planted at other times of the year. Winter weather conditions actually provide more moisture for roots to establish, and certain seeds even require winter sowing to stratify and germinate in the spring.
Woodie’s Expert tip: Try perennials or dormant trees. Their roots love a cool head start!
Myth 2: "All plants need protection from frost."
Many gardeners are trained to cringe at the first mention of a winter frost. But did you know that some plants wear winter coats better than we do? Frost-tolerant types actually thrive in the cold.
Many plants are naturally frost-tolerant and have adapted to cold weather. Your best options are selecting plants that have headed into dormancy or are considered ‘deciduous.’ These plants know to drop their leaves and spend the season sending the energy to the roots to prep for an explosion of color and life come springtime.
Below are just a few of our favorite frost-tolerant plant varieties:
- Hellebores
- Coneflowers
- Salvia
- Heuchera
- Red Twig Dogwood
- Inkberry Hollies
- Green Giant Arborvitae
- Eastern White Pine
Woodie’s Expert tip: Use fences, buildings, or slopes as microclimates. Your toughest shrubs can shine with these tricks.
Myth 3: "Winter watering is unnecessary."
Dormant does not mean dry. It’s important to note that many plants still need moisture to sustain life throughout the winter months.
We recommend watering your garden on mild days or during extended periods with little to no precipitation, especially if you have evergreens or newly planted trees. Intermittent winter watering works to prevent dehydration, boosts cold hardiness, and supports root growth for your landscape plants.
Woodie’s Expert tip: Check the soil with your finger. If it feels dry a couple of inches down, water lightly. For extra moisture retention on your evergreens, try Wilt Pruf!
Myth 4: "Pruning in winter harms plants."
For most deciduous trees and shrubs, winter is actually an excellent time for pruning. Proper winter pruning enables easier identification of the plant's structure without leaves, reduces the risk of disease transmission, and promotes healthier growth in the spring by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches and thinning the canopy.
The key is to know which plants to prune, as some, such as spring-flowering shrubs, should not be pruned in winter. Below is a list of plants we recommend pruning in winter:
Fruit trees
Apple, cherry, peach, and pear trees benefit from dormant pruning to improve structure and fruit production.
Shade Trees
Oak, maple, and ginkgo can be pruned in late winter before new growth begins.
Butterfly Bushes
These pollinator magnets can be cut back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and better flowering.
Woodie’s Expert tip: Skip pruning for plants that flower early in spring. Prune those right after they bloom.
Myth 5: “You Have To Wait Until April To Begin Your Landscaping Projects”
Even if you live in a climate that is not conducive to planting in the winter months, we want to emphasize that you don't have to wait until spring to start your dream garden.
Winter is a great time to save big on landscape projects, and with proper planning, you can transform a space beyond your wildest dreams.
Woodie’s Expert Tip: If it is too cold to plant in your zone, consider shopping our wide selection of plants online today and selecting a ship date for spring 2026! The prices are the lowest they will be, and you will be guaranteed the best plants before the spring shopping craze leads to the most desirable plants going out of stock.
Garden in Every Season, No Matter The Weather, With Garden Goods Direct
No matter your winter routine, you can grow with confidence. Our nursery team enjoys digging up facts that help your garden thrive in any season.