How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter
As your summer blooms die off and the air turns crisp, nature signals the arrival of Autumn, which will all too soon become Winter.
When the sun fades and the frost is threatening, even the keenest of gardeners among us may be tempted to leave their gardens to their own devices over winter. But preparation is key to ensure that your garden thrives over the winter months and is ready for Spring when it arrives.
In this article, we will equip you with the knowledge and practical tips needed to prepare your garden for the harshest of seasons.
Plant Spring bulbs
There is no better sign that Spring is on its way than the sight of bulbs peeking through the soil. But to enjoy this, the bulbs should ideally be planted from September to October. This is because the soil is still warm in these months, allowing the bulbs to develop roots and establish themselves before the cold winter months when they will become dormant. Whilst the early Autumn months are the best time to plant your bulbs, you should be able to plant them as late as December with no issues.
Spring flowers that should be planted in Autumn include:
- Daffodils
- Snowdrops
- Reticulata Iris
- Crocus
- Hyacinth
- Tulips
- Bluebells
- Alliums
Autumn clean
Your future self will thank you for doing a big clean of your garden in Autumn. Mow the grass, tidy up your borders and beds and clear up the greenhouse. This will fully prepare your garden for the cold months of winter and ensure that you are ready when those first signs of spring start presenting themselves.
Protect tender plants
Keep your tender plants warm and cosy over winter by wrapping them up in a horticulture fleece. This will protect them from the frost and make sure they are ready to bloom again in spring. Potted plants should be moved indoors or into a greenhouse as they are more susceptible to frost damage. This is because they do not have the insulation that plants in the ground have.
Add a layer of mulch to the base of your plants to protect them, and stabilise them by placing stakes in the ground surrounding them. This will protect your plants from harsh wind and rain.
Compost
Use up the last of your compost by scattering it on your beds to give your soil some extra nourishment. If you still have a considerable amount left or your compost is not quite ready, give it a good turn and start creating a new compost heap at home for next year.
Maintain garden equipment
After a summer of hard work, it is important to look after your garden equipment. Find a local company to service your lawn mower if needed and ensure that your tools are sharpened for next year. It is also important to store your tools in a dry area, protected from rust and damp.
De-weed
By weeding in Autumn you will effectively remove any remaining annual weeds and pick out any perennial roots. It is also a good time to de-weed your lawn, removing any moss or thatch that has built up over the summer months.
Look after wildlife
It is just as important to look after the wildlife in your garden over the winter months as it is in the summer and they are the two extreme seasons when it comes to the survival of wildlife. In summer all creatures must be protected from the heat and in winter, the bitter cold presents a different set of challenges.
Birds
You may see more birds appear in your garden over the harsh winter months as their natural sources of food in insects and grubs are harder to find. Make sure you keep your bird feeders topped up and accessible and scatter seeds on the ground for larger birds such as wood pigeons. It is also very important to keep your bird bath full and ensure that any ice that forms is broken to allow it to be fully accessible.
Frogs and toads
Frogs and toads do not hibernate but enter a state of torpor. They often nestle into the bottom of compost heaps or at the bottom of ponds. You may also find them hiding in between stones or plant pots. It is important to make sure that you provide an environment for these animals to rest in. Rockeries provide an attractive feature in your garden and also provide lots of nooks and crevices for frogs and toads to hide in.
Insects
Insects often hibernate in gardens and it is important to provide the right environment to do so. Build a bug hotel from natural resources in your garden and give your insects the best opportunity to thrive over the winter months.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are another animal that may choose to hibernate in your garden. They often opt for piles of leaves they can bury themselves in. During your autumn tidy-up, rake up leaves to create a pile. This will serve as a perfect hibernating spot for hedgehog and over time can be used to make leaf mould that can be scattered over your soil for added nutrients. Just be careful when moving the leaves in the spring to ensure you don’t disturb a sleeping hedgehog!
Cover up garden furniture
Even the hardiest garden furniture will struggle to withstand the harsh winter months. Invest in a cover for your furniture and store your cushions in a garage or shed to protect them from mould and damp.
Contact us for all your garden and landscaping needs
At 4thD Landscapes, we are committed to creating beautiful gardens for you to enjoy. Our team has 20 years of experience in gardening and landscaping and we know how important it is to give you a stunning but functional space.
If you would like to discuss your garden maintenance needs with us, contact us today.