7 rules for overwintering your potted plants

Posted on Wednesday, 8th October 2025

As the winter months creep in and the days get darker and colder, there’s an important task to get done in your garden; wintering your potted plants to help protect them once the nights draw in. As the temperatures drop below freezing, potted plants are much more vulnerable, especially when compared to plants planted in the ground. And without proper care, your most prized possessions can suffer or even die. 

If you’ve overstocked your seeds or need to make room in the shed for your plants over winter, our short and long-term storage units are there to keep your possessions in top condition over winter. Store the lawnmower away with Space Station, and prep your plants for the next season with our expert tips. 

• Preparing potted plants for winter
• Finding the right location for your potted plants
• Watering tips for winter
• Stop your pots from freezing
• Keep an eye out for pests
• Signs that your potted plants might be struggling
• Getting ready for Spring

Preparing potted plants for winter

 Inspect and prune

The first step to protecting your plants for the colder months is by inspecting each one of them:

• Remove any dead materials: Trim away any dead leaves or branches to prevent any diseases from spreading throughout the plant.
• Prune it to size: Some potted plants may benefit from a good trim before you move them to an alternative location.

Deep clean your pots

It’s important to make sure that each and every one of your pots are cleaned before the winter months. Remove any debris from the outer side of the pot, as this will help to reduce pests and diseases from spreading in your plants. Make sure there’s no old roots or stones covering the drainage holes, and brush away any cobwebs or soil to keep your pots looking fresh. 

Check your soil 

Healthy soil is key to keeping your plant’s roots strong and healthy, and this is even more important in the winter months. 

• Check the moisture: Your soil should be moist but not too soggy, so aim to get a good balance for winter.
• Repot it: If your plant has outgrown its current pot or the soil isn’t looking the healthiest, now’s the time to repot it before the freezing temperatures arrive. 
• Mulch is your best friend: When added to the top of soil, mulch and straw helps to insulate roots on those colder days.

Finding the right location for your potted plants

Every green fingered enthusiast will know that finding the right location for your plants is key, no matter the season. Before the winter months hit, you’ll need to make sure your plants are stored in a sunny, sheltered spot, whether that’s indoors or outdoors.

Indoor protection

• Store them in a bright spot: Keep your potted plants in a bright location (like a windowsill or sunny corner) to help them thrive. Tropical plants and more tender shoots will love the comfort of the indoors throughout winter.
• Be mindful of your temperature: Like most homes in winter, the heating will be on to keep us nice and warm, but not all plants will flourish in this type of setting. Make sure to keep the temperature cooler in the room storing your potted plants – we recommend 7-13˚C if possible – and keep them away from radiators where possible. 

Outdoor protection

• Keep them sheltered: If your plants need to be kept outdoors, make sure to put them in a sheltered location, such as inside a garage or up against the wall of a house. This will help to protect them against strong winds.
• Group them: If you have the space, try grouping your potted plants together, as this will help to reduce their exposure to the cold temperatures and wind.
• Raise your plants: Some plants may not benefit from being directly placed on the cold ground. Put them on a wooden plinth or wall to stop the soil from freezing.

Watering tips for winter

Overwatering your potted plants in winter is a common mistake that most garden enthusiasts make when starting out in their new hobby. There’s a fine balance to achieve when it comes to watering, as too little water can dry out the roots, and too much can cause your roots to rot. 

• Keep an eye on your soil: Check your soil each week, and if it’s feeling a little dry, add a splash of water to it. Try to keep your soil damp to the touch for the best results. 
• Be mindful of the water temperature: If you’re watering your indoor plants, avoid cold water as this will cause a shock to the roots. Instead, use room temperature water. 

Stop your pots from freezing

Some potted plants may need more of a helping hand in the winter months to help them from freezing and ultimately dying. There are a number of handy tricks to help you insulate your pots:

• Double pot: For smaller pots, place them inside a larger one and fill the excess space with insulating material, such as straw and leaves.
• Wrap them up: Bubble wrap is a great way to easily insulate your potted plants.
• Raise them off the ground: Be mindful to keep them off any surfaces that can become icy throughout the winter months – adding a dish underneath any pots sitting on a patio will help keep the frost at bay. 

Keep an eye out for pests

Plants can naturally attract pests, especially those kept indoors throughout the winter months. Make sure to regularly check your plants, leaves and stems for any signs of pests. If you do find any, remove them and keep the plant away from any others, just in case any diseases spread.

Signs that your potted plants might be struggling in winter

There are a number of signs to keep an eye out for that signal that your potted plants could be struggling:

• Drooping leaves
• Yellow foliage sprouting
• Mushy stems - this can indicate rot
• No new growth when Spring arrives

If you spot any of the above signs, we recommend checking your soil condition and the temperature of your pot’s location. You could consider moving your plant to a sunnier, drier spot in the garden, or moving your pots inside. 

Getting ready for Spring

As the winter months fade out, and Spring is on its way, it will be time to get your plants ready for the warmer months fast approaching. To help you get a head start, we recommend:

• Move your indoor plants to a sheltered outdoor space
• Remove any insulation you’ve added to your pots
• Start your regular watering habits

If you feel like you don’t have the space to store all your gardening equipment, you may want to look at our personal storage options.