For many gardeners, the first frost signals the end of the growing season. But if you’re growing tender plants—those that can’t survive freezing temperatures—you don’t have to say goodbye when the cold sets in. With a little preparation, you can overwinter tender plants and enjoy them year after year.

This guide will walk you through what overwintering means, why it matters, and the best methods for protecting your plants from winter’s chill.

What Does Overwintering Mean in Gardening?

To “overwinter” simply means to help plants survive the winter months when conditions outdoors are too harsh. Some plants can withstand frost and snow with little problem, but tender plants—such as dahlias, cannas, begonias, fuchsias, citrus, and many herbs—need extra care to make it through until spring.

Overwintering can involve:

• Bringing plants indoors
• Storing bulbs, tubers, or roots
• Protecting plants in the ground with mulch or covers
• Using greenhouses or cold frames

By overwintering, you save money (no need to rebuy plants each spring), preserve rare or favorite varieties, and give your garden a head start when warm weather returns.

Which Tender Plants Need Overwintering?

Not all plants require winter protection, but these are common ones that do:

• Summer-flowering bulbs and tubers – Dahlias, cannas, gladiolus, elephant ears
• Tender perennials – Geraniums (pelargoniums), coleus, impatiens, fuchsias
• Tropical plants – Citrus trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, mandevilla
• Tender herbs – Basil, rosemary, lemongrass
• Potted plants in containers – Especially those not hardy in your growing zone

How to Overwinter Tender Plants

1. Bring Tender Plants Indoors

For plants in pots or containers, the easiest method is moving them inside before frost arrives.

• Choose a bright location – Place near sunny windows, or use grow lights if natural light is limited.
• Check for pests – Rinse foliage and inspect soil to avoid bringing bugs indoors.
• Reduce watering – Growth slows in winter, so keep soil slightly moist but not soggy.
• Adjust temperature – Most tender plants prefer cooler indoor temps (50–65°F / 10–18°C).

2. Store Bulbs, Tubers, and Corms

Many flowering plants can’t overwinter as whole plants but can survive as underground storage organs.

• Dig up before frost – Carefully lift dahlias, gladiolus, or cannas once foliage dies back.
• Clean and dry – Remove soil and let them dry for a day or two.
• Store in peat moss or sawdust – Keep them in a cool, dark, frost-free place (around 40–50°F / 4–10°C).
• Check monthly – Remove any that show rot and lightly mist if they dry out too much.

3. Protect Plants Left in the Ground

If you live in a mild climate, you may not need to dig up tender plants. Instead, you can insulate them:

• Mulch deeply – Apply 6–12 inches of straw, leaves, or compost around the base.
• Use frost covers or cloches – Row covers, cold frames, or even overturned buckets can shield plants from sudden freezes.
• Water before frost – Moist soil holds heat better, offering roots extra protection.

4. Use a Greenhouse or Cold Frame

If you have the space, a greenhouse, polytunnel, or cold frame provides a controlled environment for overwintering plants. This is especially helpful for tender herbs, salad greens, or tropical ornamentals.

Tips for Successful Overwintering

• Know your USDA Hardiness Zone (or local climate zone) to identify which plants truly need protection.
• Start early – Move or prepare plants before the first frost date in your area.
• Label stored bulbs and tubers to make spring replanting easier.
• Prune lightly before bringing plants indoors to reduce size and stress.
• Don’t overwater – Most overwintering failures come from rot, not cold.

FAQs About Overwintering Tender Plants

1. Can I leave potted plants outside in winter?

It depends on the plant and your climate. Hardy plants may survive, but tender plants in pots are more vulnerable since roots freeze faster in containers.

2. Do I need special equipment for overwintering?

Not necessarily. While greenhouses and grow lights help, many gardeners succeed with simple methods like bringing plants indoors, storing bulbs, or mulching.

3. How do I know if my plant is tender?

Check plant tags, catalogs, or online sources for the hardiness zone. If your winter temperatures drop below the plant’s tolerance, it’s considered tender in your area.

4. Can herbs be overwintered indoors?

Yes! Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can thrive indoors on sunny windowsills. Basil, however, is short-lived and may not overwinter well.

Protecting Tender Plants for Year-Round Gardening

Learning how to overwinter tender plants is one of the best skills a gardener can develop. With a little planning—whether that means storing bulbs, moving pots indoors, or covering beds with mulch—you can protect your favorite plants from frost and cold.

Overwintering not only saves money but also gives you stronger, more established plants ready to thrive once spring returns. This winter, instead of letting tender plants die back, try these simple techniques and keep your garden alive all year long.