How should I prepare my annual beds and containers for winter?

Question:

How should I prepare my annual beds and containers for winter?

Answer:

Good fall clean-up is beneficial for containers and garden beds where annuals are grown to help prevent disease and pest issues as well as reduce unwanted reseeding of some annual species in future growing seasons.

Plant Cool-Season Annuals

Consider planting cool-season annuals to keep color and interest into the late fall season.

Decorate with Natural Materials

Evergreen boughs, ornamental seed heads, decorative branches, and other materials can be arranged in annual beds, frost proof containers, and window boxes to create interest all winter. Empty and store those containers that are not frost proof to prevent cracking over winter.