Garden Bed Cover Winter. Laying plastic over your garden beds is best done before planting or in late winter and early spring when the plants are still dormant. If your annuals are in containers, move them into a garage or other protected space when temperatures are forecast to dip into the 40s overnight.

Remove the sheeting in early spring and till lightly with a hoe in advance of spring planting. Laying plastic over your garden beds is best done before planting or in late winter and early spring when the plants are still dormant. These areas are prime real estate for green manure cover crops!

Keep it happy just until winter sets in.

Dormant or empty beds in the winter garden can quickly become overrun with weeds, especially in mild climates where the ground rarely freezes. The garden fleece protects the plants from insects, animals, and harsh weather conditions. Cover crops prevent erosion, ward off weeds and maintain soil health in your raised bed during the winter. Choosing the right cover crop and knowing how to manage it, however, is important.