WINTER JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN

As we get deeper into the winter months, you might be thinking it’s best to leave your garden as it is, but there’s actually a lot you can do to maintain your garden and keep it fresh in time for spring. We’ve put together some things you can get on with in your backyard to keep yourself busy in the garden this winter.

Clean down your patio and furniture

If you’ve been using your garden a lot during the summer and autumn then it’s bound to have collected some dirt and grime around your patio, tables, decking and any paving slabs you have. It’s also an ideal time to clean it all down, since you won’t be using it as much now that it’s colder, ideally using a pressure washer to remove stains, dirt and grime from your decking. Use a decent detergent to wipe down any furniture you have out, and scrub away any moss or growth you find between paving slabs.

Cut back unwanted growth on your large plants and trees

You might have a few trees in your garden gathering fruit across the year. As most of the trees will be out of action for some time it’s a perfect time to cut the trees back and remove any unnecessary growth. Branches and leaves might be taking over some parts of the garden, so cutting them back now will prepare them for the next season. Doing this in the winter also reduces the chance you have of damaging the trees and plants you have.

Now that the leaves have fallen, it is a good time to remove unwanted plants or have a big garden makeover. There is less plant to dispose of and you can see what you are cutting. If Ivy or brambles are a problem, the winter can be a good time to remove them as they are easier to see among branches that have lost their leaves.

Provide shelter and food for garden wildlife

With foxes, squirrels, birds and hedgehogs all trying to find food and shelter, with some animals preparing for hibernation, you can plan ahead. Look to install bird feeders for your regular flying visitors who will look to take advantage of the seeds and fruit you have.

Get on with the weeding

Everyone’s least favourite activity is upon us, and that’s weeding! It’s best to tackle this in the winter to reduce the spread that will come in the spring, so arm yourself with weed killer and a trowel to really dig out the roots of the weeds to stop them from coming back. With ample sunlight, warmth and water weeds truly thrive, so take advantage of the harsher weather by taming them now before they can spiral out of control.

Weeds will continue to grow during a mild winter. Remember, when your spring flowering bulbs and border plants start to flower, the borders will be harder (more time consuming) to weed. It makes sense to keep them tidy before spring. Also, many weeds are seasonal. Weeds make more weeds. Regular weeding means less weeding.

Soil Preparation

Winter is a good time to dig a new border. Leave the soil in clumps. The winter rain and frost will help to break it down naturally. This will also expose any pests to natural predators and the cold.

Digging over vegetable plots or preparing new ones can also be done during winter for the same reasons.

Is your lawn bumpy? The winter is a good time to remove sections of turf, add/remove soil and relay.

Landscaping Repairs

Now that you can see your garden in its bare bones, what repairs are needed? Plan ahead, what plants will need supports as they grow? Add them now.

- Does your shed have a leaky roof?

- Do you have a water-butt in readiness for summer?

- Do you have a compost bin in place?

- Has your fence blown down?

- Will newly planted climbers need new trellis or supports?

- Loose paving?

- Slippery paths can be pressure washed