If you’ve been labouring in your garden this year, you’ll loath to see it decay this winter. But that doesn’t have to happen! Of all the ways you can keep your garden healthy over the cold months, how many of these did you know?
- Trim it back
Fruit trees, readily available at places such as Ashridge Nurseries, benefit from winter pruning between November and March. Trim fruit trees to four main branches, as doing so will increase their productivity in warmer months. The Local Tree Experts can also give you all kinds of advice.
- Wrap up warmly
Much like you and I, our gardens prefer not to be left out in the cold. To keep your soil as healthy as can be, sow a ‘cover crop’ for the winter months. They don’t look beautiful but will act as a warm blanket for the soil beneath.
- Let it go (the lawn, that is)
Don’t be tempted to mow the lawn too much in winter: doing so can lessen the quality of the soil. Instead, let it grow a bit longer than usual in the winter months, as the extra length will help to trap much needed heat.
- Grow winter vegetables
If you thought you could only grow vegetables during summer, think again. Hardy winter vegetables include onions, garlic, broad beans, carrots and pak choi, and will do well in your garden if you know how to care for them. The Telegraph has some great advice.
- Protect your summer plants
Store potted summer plants in a room with plenty of light, such as a conservatory or porch. Water them only a little, and they ought to survive the winter. This is great idea for herbs too, for which Countryfile recommend using a cloche to cover if you’re lacking indoor space.
- Take cuttings as insurance
There are some plants that are unlikely to survive a hard winter, such as tender perennials. To ensure you have something to show for your hard work next summer, take cuttings at the beginning of winter and pot them under cover.
- Maintain structures
During winter, take some time to check the integrity of your structures: borderings, fences, sheds and greenhouses might need your attention. Repair weakness and rot, as strong structures will help you to keep the damage from thick snow, heavy rain and high winds to a minimum.
- Protect the vegetable garden
Cover your existing vegetable patch with straw, as root vegetables can last all winter if they’re kept warm enough. If snow is forecast, many gardeners swear by using an old bit of carpet!
- Help the wildlife
Put out food for local wildlife: you’ll help them survive through the winter, and in return they’ll take up residency in your garden and eradicate many garden pests, which will pay dividends in the year ahead.
- Plant bulbs
Bulbs such as snowdrops and tulips are best planted towards the end of winter once your garden has seen at least two proper ground frosts: the frost helps to kill fungal diseases in your soil and will ensure that buds unfold beautifully in spring!
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