12th December 2022
It's tempting to shut the backdoor and stay inside during the winter months when the winds are chilly, and snow starts to accumulate on the yard. There is no need to abandon the garden every year for the entire season if you enjoy being outside. With the help of our guide to gardening in the winter, you can complete a variety of tasks before the spring, learn how to protect your plants from the elements, and get the most out of your time outside.
Winter Gardening Jobs
Pruning. Roses, shrubs, fruit trees, and deciduous hedges are some of the plants that benefit most from winter pruning and cutting back. When the weather begins to warm up again, this will promote the growth of healthy new shoots.
Cleaning. While your garden's life is less demanding, now is a good time to take care of some regular upkeep. Cleaning your patios and walks will not only make them seem nicer but will also guarantee that they are free of debris that could cause slipping in the chilly, wet weather.
Examining for structural harm. Winter is the ideal season to give your greenhouse, conservatory, or shed a thorough inspection. Most of the surrounding vegetation will have withered away, providing a clear view of any windowpane breaks or frame flaws. For the sake of shielding any indoor plants from freezing draughts, these must be fixed immediately.
Purchasing seed catalogues Purchase seeds and seedlings to be ready for the planting season. It's a fantastic opportunity to take a seat and consider how you might like to reorganise you're planting or think about which flowers thrive in your garden.
Winter Gardening Tips
Avoid compacting the ground. The ground will probably be wet from too much rain during the winter, and because of the freezing weather, it will likely freeze. It's advisable to avoid walking on the ground too much because this will compact the already dense soil and make springtime labour more challenging. Therefore, when you need to cross it, attempt to move slowly.
Upkeep of tools. Over the winter, there won't be as many labour-intensive tasks to complete in the garden, so now is a wonderful time to give your tools some tender loving care. Sharpen the trimmer and secateur blades, and oil any machinery that needs it. When the frost thaws, you'll be prepared to get started right away.
Continue watering. With the weather being so miserable at this time of year, it's simple to forget to water your garden. However, it's still crucial to periodically go outdoors and quickly water your plants, especially if it hasn't rained in a while. Additionally, remember to water your indoor plants!
Think ahead. Planning your garden design for the upcoming season is best done in the winter. Most of the vegetation has withered away, leaving the basic structure of your plot clearly visible. Use this to your advantage by planning new pathways or patios or determining where to place a new shed or greenhouse.
Winter Planting
Winter-friendly plants. Unexpectedly, there are some plants that defy nature and flourish during the chilly seasons. These include witch hazel, winter jasmine, winter honeysuckle, and viburnum in addition to evergreen trees. Add a few of them for a year-round, vibrant flowerbed.
Seasonal veggies. There are several hardy veggies that will sustain you through the winter if you have an allotment or kitchen garden. Broccoli, leeks, winter cabbage, and brussel sprouts can all withstand the frost and are ideal for a Christmas supper. They may all be sown in the early summer.
Frost defence. Most plants don't perform well in cold temps or icy nights, as any gardener is sure to know. There are various ways to shield your plants from frost, including cloches, fleece blankets, careful watering, and mulching.
Gardening inside. Planting indoors is possibly the simplest method to satisfy your gardening itch without having to bundle up against the cold. Make sure to complete your study because not all plants will thrive indoors. Many plants will thrive in well-lit spaces that are draught-proof. It can be worthwhile to spend money on grow lights and a grow room for indoor growing that is as productive as possible.
Winter Wildlife in the Garden
Wild animals may experience hardship throughout the winter. Food is scarce, the weather is bitterly cold, and finding shelter is difficult. By giving a little support to the critters who visit your garden, you can benefit them. For the benefit of the birds, make sure your birdfeeder is stocked with additional food, and make sure the water in your birdbath doesn't freeze. It should work if you throw a tennis ball in there. Berry bushes can also be planted; they will serve as a shelter and a source of food for the winter.
Make sure there is a place for other critters to hibernate and survive the winter. Simply provide some uncut grass or a pile of leaves for groundlings to nest in.
What to Wear Outside
Naturally, staying warm is the top priority when growing outdoors from November to February. Put on as many hats, gloves, scarves, and coats as you can while maintaining enough mobility to carry out your digging and pruning. Using heated clothes is an excellent method to reduce layers while maintaining warmth. For all-day warmth, you can use battery-heated socks and gloves or heat pads for your hands. Just be careful not to stay outside for too long at a time, especially if you're feeling under the weather. Nothing gets you warmed up like a regular tea break!
One Year Ends, Another Begins
Therefore, don't allow the chilly weather and lengthy evenings depress you too much; there are still lots of opportunities to spend time in your garden during the winter. Winter is the ideal season for introspection and creativity, whether you're conserving the plants you've cared for all year or organising new features for the following. After a quick stroll over the grass, cosy up inside with a hot beverage and gaze out the window at your garden. For Christmas, give a loved someone a book filled with gardening ideas. And most importantly, prepare ready for spring will arrive soon!