According to the home and garden experts at Pritzl’s Trading Post in Nekoosa, WI, winter is no time to ignore your outdoor plants. They sell everything from deli meats to gardening and hunting supplies, and they say winter is a prime time to prep your plants to make sure they can thrive come spring.

Below are their top tips for making sure your garden is ready for a strong growing season:

• Study The Frost: Know when to expect the first major frost so you don’t start your winter maintenance too early or too late. An approximate date is probably fine, as long as your estimate is only off a few days rather than a few weeks.
• Mulch & Till: In areas that generally experience mild winters, tilling will redistribute dying matter and create more compost for the springtime. Till when your soil breaks into nice-sized clumps rather than small crumbs. A hefty layer of mulch also creates more compost, and as an added bonus, it helps protect your soil from the colder temperatures.
• Cover & Protect: Cloth covers will protect your plants from the coldest days, but avoid plastic or other materials that could trap condensation, or your plants could end up damaged. Burlap is a good material to protect shrubs and trees. Just remove any coverings as soon as the weather is warm enough again.

These tips should help your yard get through the winter, but home and garden supplies are only a small part of the expertise at Pritzl’s Trading Post. With fishing supplies, a post office, fresh bread, and even a craft beer selection, they’re a one-stop shop for everything you (and your garden) need to thrive. Call them at (715) 325-2281 or visit them online to learn more about what’s in stock at their home and garden business.