A Guide to Winter Gardening
Some people say that winter begins on 1st December and others would argue that it doesn’t start until 21st December. Either way, there’s no denying that winter is very much on the horizon and the cold weather is here to stay for a while. With this in mind, here are a few things to bear in mind when doing your winter gardening.
Tidy up the plants
It’s time to dead-head any plants that flower in the autumn and prune summer-flowering shrubs before the first frost arrives. In the process, check that their structures are stable and mend them before the blustery weather does irrevocable damage.
Protect plants from cold weather
As well as tidying them up, you also need to protect plants from the wet, cold and windy weather that’s already settling in. Any tender plants may be better off moved indoors, whereas those that are stronger can be covered with a cloche or a similar translucent material.
Give the grass some breathing space
Grass is wonderful because it stays green throughout the year, although it actually becomes dormant in winter and needs time to rest. Try to walk on your lawn as little as possible during the cold months, as this way you’ll avoid damaging it and creating rough patches.
Support local wildlife
Imagine having to live outside in this weather! You can support your local wildlife by putting our feeders for garden birds, creating leaf piles for hedgehogs, and leaving the areas beneath shrubs alone for a while so that insects can get some well-earned rest.
Spread the compost
If you have a compost heap, it’s time to add its contents to plant beds so that they can remain healthy and grow more easily next year. Make sure your compost is ready beforehand – it should be a rich shade of dark brown, crumbly to the touch, and giving off an earthy aroma rather than smelling like rotten food.
Plant a few bulbs
Winter isn’t all about tidying and protecting, as you can still get your fingers green by planting some bulbs for spring. Daffodils, tulips and crocuses are just some of the flowers that can be planted in November and December, setting your garden up for plenty of colour in the new year.
Look after your tools
From spades, hoes and shears to secateurs and bamboo canes, all of your gardening equipment should be put away somewhere dry during the winter. By keeping everything in a place that’s easily accessible (such as a garage, shed or waterproof garden storage box), you can retrieve it when required whilst preventing any metal from getting rusty during the inevitable downpours.
Ask us about our gardening services
If you need help with your garden during winter or any other time of year, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team through our contact form.
Tagged as: gardening advice
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