How to winterize your garden before the first frost makes a noticeable difference in how strong everything comes back next spring. A few hours of prep in fall protects your soil, perennials, and tools through the cold months, and saves a lot of cleanup and replacement costs later. Why Winterizing Matters Leaving diseased plant debris in place over winter gives pests and pathogens a place to survive until spring, while exposed soil is more prone to erosion and nutrient loss. A little fall preparation protects next year’s growing season far more than most gardeners expect. How to Winterize Your Garden: 8 Steps Before Frost When to Start Winterizing Your Garden…