What gardening tasks should I do as the cold weather nears? In most parts of the country, we are starting to put gardens to bed for the winter. Be sure to water evergreens deeply before the first hard frost. Rip out all the weeds you can find now and it will save you time in the spring. And finally, don't cut everything back. It simply isn't necessary, plus many plants provide valuable fodder for birds and insects through the colder months.