As autumn fades, preparing your urban planter boxes for winter is crucial for next spring's success. Start by removing spent annual plants and weeds to eliminate hiding spots for pests and diseases. Gently prune perennial herbs or plants, but avoid major cuts before deep winter. Deeply water your soil one final time before the first hard freeze to help plant roots.
Insulating your containers is key. Wrap boxes with burlap, bubble wrap, or specialized horticultural fleece to protect roots from freezing temperatures. For very cold climates, moving boxes to a sheltered spot against a wall can provide extra protection. Consider adding a fresh top-dressing of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, to act as a blanket for the soil.
Don't forget to clean and sanitize your tools and the planter boxes themselves if empty. Scrubbing with a mild bleach solution prevents disease carryover. Finally, use the quiet winter months to plan! Order seed catalogs, sketch new layouts, and repair any damaged boxes. With these steps completed, your urban garden will be securely tucked in, ready to awaken healthy and vigorous when the warm spring sun returns.