How to prepare your garden for the winter

Published : 27/08/2019 - Categories : Default

We’re sorry to say it – but summer is well and truly over. The nights are drawing in, the heating’s going on, and we’re spending less time outdoors.

But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your garden. Quite the opposite, in fact. 

We’ve put together a handy guide that will teach you how to quickly prepare your outdoor space for the colder weather.

Read on for 10 tips that will help you get a handle on your haven long before winter’s grip tightens.

 

Remove dead, diseased or rotting plants from your garden

If some of your foliage is looking a little worse for wear, dig it up to prevent pests, funghi and pre-hatched insect eggs from wreaking havoc.

You can bury old plants in the soil. This will add important minerals back into the earth and improve the soil’s overall health. We’ll come back to this in more detail later.

 

Dispose of all those pesky weeds

Identify and remove unwanted plants from your borders to stop them from sprouting again when the weather begins to warm up next year. Don’t be tempted to throw them straight into the compost heap – if they’re still present in your garden, they could find their way back into your beds. Burn them or put them in the bin instead.

Don’t forget to de-weed your patios, paths and driveways, too.

 

Prune back your perennials       

Give perennial garden plants a trim to keep them in tip-top condition. Herbs, vegetables and some fruits such as blackberries will particularly benefit from an autumn clean-up.

 

Add vital nutrients to your soil

By adding manure, compost, kelp and/or rock phosphate to your soil now, you’re giving it time to break down and bed into the soil before spring hits. Autumn is also the perfect time to (very gently) turn or dig-in your soil, as it’ll boost its condition ready for the spring.  

If you’re worried that excessive rain and wind will ruin your efforts, you can always place a protective plastic sheet over your beds until the weather improves.  

 

Replenish your mulch

Adding a thick layer of winter mulch to the surface of your soil will help to reduce water loss, eradicate weeds and prevent erosion. Be sure to scatter extra mulch around root vegetables to shield them from frost.

 

Seal any cracks in your paving

We can’t stress enough just how important it is to deal with damage to your paths and driveways before the cold starts to set in.

If you don’t deal with them now, you can expect them to be even bigger by the time spring comes around again!

 

Clear away the autumn debris

Sweep up leaves, twigs and stones before rain, snow and ice turns your paved surfaces into an unsightly mess.

 

Stock up on de-icing salt

Order your preferred de-icing salt now so you have it to hand when snow begins to fall.

Brown rock salt is cheaper and more visible, whereas white de-icing salt will leave less residue behind after use.

Share this content

Add a comment

 (with http://)