Warm winter prompts unique gardening strategies to protect plants

This unseasonably warm and dry winter poses challenges for gardeners as early plant growth thwarts expectations.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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With an unusually warm and dry winter, gardeners in Denver are facing challenges as plants have started growing earlier than expected. Experts recommend watering shrubs, perennials, and recently planted trees, but avoiding watering the lawn as it is dormant. Gardeners are also encouraged to focus on indoor gardening activities like taking cuttings and repotting plants to prepare for planting outdoors in May.

Why it matters

The warm and dry winter conditions are causing plants to grow earlier than normal, which can put them at risk of frost damage. Gardeners need to adapt their strategies to protect their plants and ensure a healthy growing season.

The details

Many plants, including shrubs, perennials, and trees, have started to leaf out earlier due to the warm weather. While most trees and shrubs have secondary leaf buds that can help them recover, spring-blooming plants may not fare as well. Experts recommend watering these plants to help them cope, but advise against watering the lawn, as it is currently dormant. This dry turf can actually be beneficial in deterring Japanese beetle grubs. Gardeners are encouraged to focus their efforts on indoor gardening activities, such as taking cuttings and repotting plants, to prepare for the upcoming planting season in May.

  • This unseasonably warm and dry winter has been occurring in 2026.

The players

Proctor's Garden

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The takeaway

Gardeners in Denver need to adapt their strategies to the unusual warm and dry winter conditions, focusing on watering certain plants while avoiding the lawn, and channeling their energy into indoor gardening activities to prepare for the upcoming planting season.