How to Prepare Your Plants for Cold Weather in Zone 8 (aka How to Not Kill Them This Winter)

Well, it’s that time of year again when the temperatures in Auburn, AL, drop below “just right” and settle somewhere between “chilly enough to need a jacket” and “oh, my plants are about to be frostbitten.” If you’re in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, like most of us around here, winters are usually mild, but that doesn’t mean your plants are going to just tough it out. So, if you want your garden to not look like a sad, wilted disaster come spring, here’s how to prepare those poor, defenseless plants for the cold. You’re welcome.

1. Water Like You Actually Care About Them

Before the frosty air comes in to ruin your day, make sure your plants are hydrated. Like, really hydrated. Just like you, they can’t survive on the occasional sip. Water them deeply, but don’t drown them—plants aren’t into that whole “swimming” thing. A good drink of water will help them keep their roots warm and cozy, which is basically their version of a blanket. Just make sure you do it in the morning, so they don’t go to bed wet. That’s how mildew happens, and no one wants a mildew party in the garden.

2. Mulch: The Poor Man’s Winter Jacket

Here’s the thing about mulch (or pine straw): it’s like a cozy blanket for your plants. So, pile that stuff on thick (but not too thick)—2 to 3 inches should do it. Don’t be stingy. Mulch will protect the soil from freezing, hold in moisture, and just generally keep things chill (in a good way). And while we’re talking about blankets—please don’t pile the mulch up against plant stems or trunks. They like to breathe, and you’re not helping them by suffocating them.

3. Container Plants Are Basically Like That One Friend Who Needs Extra Care

You know the one we’re talking about—the friend who can’t take a little cold without turning into a drama queen? Yeah, your container plants are like that. Move them to a sheltered spot if you can. If that’s not possible, wrap the pots in burlap, bubble wrap, or whatever you have lying around that could pass as insulation. Think of it as wrapping your plants in a comfy sweater. And hey, if it’s really cold, you might want to just bring them inside. Plants don’t need a vacation in the garage, but they might appreciate it.

4. Windbreaks: Not Just for Your Hair on a Bad Day

Wind can be a real jerk to plants, especially those delicate ones that can’t handle a gust of cold air. Set up windbreaks with fences, hedges, or other plants to shield them. Basically, you’re creating a VIP lounge for your plants—no freezing winds allowed. You can even use some temporary wind barriers (think burlap) if you don’t want to commit to a full-on garden redesign.

5. Monitor and Maintain: Because You’re a Plant Parent Now

Once winter kicks in, don’t just forget about your plants. Keep an eye on them. If we get a freak cold snap or some crazy snowstorm, check for damage. Make sure the mulch is still in place, and maybe give those covers another little check. Your plants need you. Be the responsible plant parent you always knew you could be.

Don’t Let Your Plants Die This Winter

Winter in Auburn isn’t exactly Game of Thrones level cold, but it’s still cold enough to mess with your plants. But don’t worry, you can handle it. With a little prep, your yard will survive the chill, and come spring, you’ll be the proud owner of a landscape that didn’t just survive winter—it thrived. So go ahead, follow these tips, and bask in the glory of not killing your plants. You’ve got this.