“This period is not just about enduring the frosty weather; it’s an active phase for safeguarding plants, preparing for spring, and finding joy in the serene beauty that winter landscapes offer. So here are some essential tasks and smart tips for making the most of your garden during these colder months.” – Craig Wilson, Co-founder, director & in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream
Winter is the perfect time to prune
“It might sound crazy, but Winter is actually the perfect time to prune your deciduous trees and shrubs. Without the leaves, it’s much easier to see the structure of the plants and make thoughtful cuts that won’t be detrimental to your plants. Pruning in winter can encourage new growth in spring and also prevent the spread of disease.”
Give tender plants some extra TLC
Tender plants such as Cordylines and Passiflora caerulea for example, need extra care in winter, as they are known for their sensitivity to frost. If left, these plants won’t survive the winter, however, with a little bit of TLC, you can give them a chance!”
“For potted plants, I’d suggest moving them to more sheltered spots in your garden, or, if you can, move them into a greenhouse with working heaters. For those that are in the ground, you can wrap them in fleece as a temporary measure when weather forecasts are looking cold and frosty. Thankfully, temperatures don’t tend to drop too far below freezing in the UK so standard 17g fleece should be suitable.”
“If you are someone who enjoys the aesthetic look of Olea europaea – olive trees – then be sure to keep an eye on these too. Whilst they are considered hardy in mild climates, they can struggle in harsh UK winters, especially in colder regions or during particularly cold spells.”
Repair fences, gates, and trellises
“This again, might seem like a strange task to take on in the winter, however, if you have damaged fences, gates or trellises that come Spring/Summer will have climbers, now is the best time to fix them up. Whilst your plants are dormant, making these repairs will be less likely to cause any damage.”
Mulch around your plants
“Now is a good time to apply a thick layer of mulch to your plants, not only will this insulate the soil, but it will also provide your plants with nutrients to keep them going throughout the Winter. Most hardy plants will be fine without mulch, although, there is no harm in doing so. However, you’ll want to prioritise perennial plants as these are much more sensitive to frost and colder temperatures.”
Clear up debris
“Winter is a good time to keep on top of keep your garden tidy. While you might not want to spend time outdoors in the cold raking leaves, you’ll be glad you did come summertime. Fallen leaves and dead plant material can harbour pests and diseases which could ruin a garden before you even get a chance to enjoy it in the Summer. So ensuring that any debris is cleared swiftly, will stand your garden in good stead for the warmer months.”
Set up bird feeders
“Winter can be tough for wildlife, and birds in particular benefit from extra food when the temperatures drop. I’d recommend setting up bird feeders in your garden and keeping them stocked with seeds and nuts. Not only will this help the birds, but it will also bring some life back to your garden, during the dullness of Winter.”
