Published: 18/10/2024
Gardening, however rewarding, can also be a labour of love; when it’s cold and the ground is rock solid, the love part can dwindle somewhat. Keeping a garden thriving through winter can feel a bit daunting, but it's actually one of the best times to focus on maintaining and even improving your outdoor space. No, we haven’t just made this up. It’s true. The colder months are when we should be doing all the preparation work ready for our gardens to burst into life come spring…or that’s the aim.To help you out, we have created a blog packed full of tips to help your garden stay healthy and prepared for the challenges of the chillier seasons. From pruning to protecting plants, these simple steps will guide you through a winter maintenance routine that anyone can take on. If we can do it, then anyone can!
Clearing the Garden
One of the first tasks as winter approaches is to clear your garden of debris. Fallen leaves, dead plant material, and clutter can suffocate your lawn and beds, trapping moisture and inviting pests and disease. For the lawn, rake up leaves regularly, as they can form a soggy mat that blocks sunlight and oxygen, which grass still needs even in the winter. Once you have collected your leaves, don’t just toss them out - compost them! They will break down over time and give you heaps (literally) of nutrient-rich compost for spring.
Preparing Your Soil
While winter is usually too cold for planting, it’s actually a great time to improve your soil, especially if it’s compacted or low in nutrients. Start by spreading a layer of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure over your garden beds. The winter rains and natural freezing and thawing cycles will work these materials into the soil without much extra effort on your part. Adding mulch is another step worth taking. Not only does it provide additional insulation for plants, but it also helps maintain moisture levels and keep weeds in check.
Caring for Your Lawn
Lawns are often neglected in winter (guilty…!), but a little bit of attention can go a long way. This season is an excellent time to aerate if your soil is compacted, as it allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the roots. To put it simply, this just means making lots of tiny holes in the lawn; a garden fork does the job without any fancy tools. Once done, consider adding a light layer of compost or a winter lawn fertiliser. It gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy as long as possible through the colder months.
If you are de-icing your driveway, be aware that salt can harm your lawn, so switch to a pet-safe, plant-friendly option.
Protecting Outdoor Containers
Potted plants can suffer during the winter as their roots are more exposed to cold temperatures. If your plants aren’t tough enough to battle the winter conditions, it’s best to move them indoors or to a sheltered spot like a shed. For the ones that can stay outdoors, it may still be beneficial to wrap the pots with bubble wrap to protect them from freezing. Remember that drainage is vital, so check that any saucers aren’t holding water, as this can freeze and damage roots (or crack the pot).
Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Winter is the ideal time to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs. Without leaves, you can see the structure clearly, making it easier to remove any dead or damaged branches. Not only does this keep the plant healthy, but it also shapes it nicely for next year’s growth. For flowering shrubs, be careful as some set their buds in autumn; pruning them now will mean cutting off next year’s flowers.
Taking Care of Perennials
First, what is a perennial? It is a plant that lives longer than two years. Every day is a school day, folks. For some plants that require a bit of protection, adding a thick layer of mulch around the base can help shield them from extreme temperature changes. The other option is to consider digging them up and moving them indoors or storing them in a garage. Bulbs that aren’t frost-hardy, like dahlias and cannas, should also be lifted and stored somewhere cool and dry until it’s safe to replant them in the spring. It may seem like a lot of effort, but it is definitely worth it if you have splashed out on pricey flowers…these things don’t come cheap.
Checking on Structures
Winter can be brutal on garden structures, so take the time to inspect your fences, trellises, and raised beds, as moisture can cause rot or rust over time (especially in untreated wood or metal). If any repairs are needed, take care of them before the worst of winter weather hits to prevent further damage. For wooden structures, consider applying a weatherproofing treatment to help them withstand wet and freezing conditions. Alternatively, if you have pathways made of stone or brick, ensure they are free of moss and debris, as these can become slippery in winter. As we mentioned previously, be careful about using salt-based de-icers on paths, as they can harm nearby plants and soil. Sprinkling sand or gravel, instead, might be a better option.
Don’t Over Water
While it may seem counterintuitive, some plants still need watering in the winter, especially evergreens and other plants that don’t lose their leaves. However, be cautious about overwatering. Only water on warmer days when the soil isn’t frozen, and always check the moisture level of the soil before adding water.
Planning for Spring
Take advantage of these quieter months to plan out next season’s blooms. Think about what you enjoyed this year and what you might want to change. Winter is also the perfect time to order seeds and start some plants indoors, especially if you’re keen on starting a vegetable garden. This stage can be a lot of fun for the green-fingered amongst us. Maintaining your garden through the winter may take a bit of time, but it’s far from a full-time job. Staying on top of the small tasks means that you will be rewarded with a garden that’s ready to leap back into life come spring.