As the frost settles and the days grow shorter, your garden may seem like it’s in hibernation. But winter is the perfect time to give your outdoor space some care and prepare it for a thriving spring. At Ace of Spades gardens, we know how to make the most of every season, and winter is no exception. Here’s our winter gardening advice from trusted landscaping experts to help you keep your garden healthy and beautiful during the colder months:
Protect Your Plants
Winter weather can be harsh, but with a few precautions, your plants can stay safe and strong.
– Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
– Potted Plants: Move pots to sheltered areas or indoors to shield them from frost. If they must stay outside, raise them off the ground to improve drainage.
Care for Your Lawn
Even though your lawn isn’t actively growing in winter, it still needs some attention.
– Avoid Overuse: Minimize foot traffic on frosty or waterlogged grass to prevent damage.
– Debris Removal: Regularly rake leaves and other debris to keep your lawn healthy and prevent mould.
Prune and Maintain
Winter is an ideal time for pruning certain plants and maintaining your garden structures.
– Pruning Trees and Shrubs: Focus on deciduous trees and shrubs while they’re dormant. Remove dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth in spring.
– Tidy Perennials: Cut back the dead growth of herbaceous perennials but leave some seed heads for wildlife.
– Repair Structures: Check fences, trellises, and raised beds for damage. Winter is a great time for repairs or repainting.
Plan for Spring
While your garden rests, you can focus on planning for the year ahead.
– Garden Redesign: Winter is perfect for mapping out new garden projects, like adding flower beds, patios, or water features.
– Order Seeds: Start browsing seed catalogues and place orders early to ensure you’re ready for spring planting.
– Create a Calendar: Schedule key gardening tasks for the upcoming seasons, ensuring you stay on top of maintenance and planting.
Encourage Winter Wildlife
Your garden can be a haven for wildlife during the colder months.
– Provide Food: Install bird feeders and keep them stocked with seeds, nuts, and suet to support local birds.
– Water Access: Ensure birds and other wildlife have access to fresh, unfrozen water.
– Shelter for Insects: Leave some natural debris, like logs or piles of leaves, for insects and small mammals to use as shelter.
Embrace Winter Interest
Winter gardens don’t have to be dull! With the right plants and features, you can create a beautiful landscape.
– Winter Bloomers: Consider adding plants like hellebores, witch hazel, and winter jasmine for seasonal colour.
– Evergreens: Incorporate evergreen trees and shrubs for year-round structure and greenery.
– Berries and Bark: Shrubs like holly and cotoneaster offer vibrant berries, while trees like birch add interest with their striking bark.
Tool Maintenance
Use the quieter winter months to get your gardening tools in top shape.
– Clean and Sharpen: Clean dirt and rust from tools, sharpen blades, and oil moving parts.
– Organize Storage: Sort and tidy your shed or storage area so you’re ready for the busy seasons ahead.
Why Consider Professional Help?
Winter gardening tasks often require expertise and time. At Ace of Spades Gardens, we can handle the hard work for you. From pruning and other seasonal maintenance to updating and landscaping your garden for spring, we’re here to help.
Even in the depths of winter, your garden can be a source of joy and inspiration. With a little care and planning, you can ensure it stays healthy and ready to burst into life when spring arrives.
