However, your plants aren't the only part of your garden that can use a helping hand to survive the winter. You might also want to prepare your planters for the winter. If you love terracotta and other porous-material planters, then preparing for the winter isn't just about keeping your plants in good shape: it's also about preventing your planters from cracking. While there are plenty of ways to upcycle a broken planter in your garden, you likely want to prevent damage whenever possible. This means taking the steps to prepare your planters for winter and prevent cracking.