If you live where winters are mild, you should have no problem.

Learn what special care you’re free to provide for your vegetable garden in winter.

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Winter vegetable garden

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The Value of Compost

Compost adds nutrients to the soil, but it doesso much morethan that.

Among its many benefits, compost promotes drainage while also helping your soil retain moisture: the perfect balance.

In both cases, an excellent mulch can be derived fromthe leaves you rake in the fall.

Overhead view of gardening gloves holding mushroom compost

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

But do shred the leaves first.

Shredded leaves make for a fluffy mulch that will more quickly decompose, adding organic material to the soil.

This will give you a place to dump your kitchen scraps all winter.

Overhead view of dyed mulch in a flower bed

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

This lapse in garden hygiene could cause problems for your new plants in spring and summer.

What should you do with this old plant material?

Firstly, inspect it carefully for signs of disease, as well as insect eggs.

Using vinegar spray on a weed

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Any plant material tainted with disease or insect eggs should be properly disposed of.

After bringing all of your gardening tools inside, check their condition.

If any rust has already formed on them, sandpaper it off.

Lawnmower and garden tools stored in a garden shed

The Spruce

Sharpen any blades that have become dull with use.

Oil your tools so that they are in prime shape when gardening season rolls around again in spring.