As opposed to what......tossing them all out at the end of the season? Don't mean to be obtuse, but your question is a little vague :-)

Sure, folks overwinter plants all the time. Garden plants usually stay in the garden over winter, some with winter protection depending on the plant and the severity of their winter weather. And sometimes gardeners will dig up tender plants to be brought indoors and stored for the winter.

As to deck plants, I guess it depends on what you are growing and where you are located. I am in a mild climate and I have numerous permanently planted containers on my deck that are present year round. I have other containers with more tropical plants that I bring in for the winter and take back outdoors each spring. And then I have seasonal containers that I replant each year. And there are many other gardeners across the country that do the same.

Is this what you are asking? Or can you be more specific in your request?

THANK YOU, Gardengal!

Sorry for being vague, but my question is whether to water certain perennials that I would take up for the winter that are not hardy for the zone (4). Bare root them (not sure how to do this either)? I have overwintered my potted asparagus ferns with no problem, but I'm trying to over winter a rex begonia that wants to drop it's leaves every time I water it. Maybe I should have put it away in a dark cool place and not watered it.? Thanks again.

I think the general rule when overwintering dormant plants is to not let the soil dry out. Water monthly, maybe less. Too much water and you may get mold or fungus.

Mulch helps retain more moisture and adds extra heat.The mulch decomposes and add rich organic material into the soil.I agree it is better if you add less water.Here is a blog that I found online that mentioned some tips on winterizing your garden ( http://inthebackyard.ca/3-tips-for-getting-your-garden-ready-for-winter-in-the-back-yard/ ).

I bought a beautiful pot of caladiums a couple of years ago. In fall before frost I brought them inside and let them dry out in the pot completely. In spring 2017 I put them outside and kept them watered. It took quite awhile but they finally woke up and were beautiful the rest of the summer. I brought them in again this year and am giving them the same treatment. Same with some tuberous begonias I bought and some freesias. Also amaryllis. No light, no water, no nothing. Just no freezing temps.

I have a lot of potted roses outside that usually do fine even being frozen solid for a long stretch. It is just best not to leave them on tables or concrete. The little bit of warmth from the ground helps them. I watered all of those well before the recent extreme cold front. I am a little worried about them but hope for the best.

I grow some tropicals outside in summer and have been bringing them in for winter for years. I don't water them much but don't let them dry out. They seem to tolerate less light for a few months and perk up again when brought outside in spring.