While it might be the most wonderful time of the year, the winter isn’t as kind to our gardens. Not only does the cold and wet weather kill things off, it’s simply too cold and wet to venture out and keep things at bay. However, if you’re not careful, you could end up with an overwhelming amount to do when springtime rolls around. While mowing the lawn might not be a great idea in the wintery weather, there are other things you could do around your garden to make things easier for you when it gets warmer. So, without further ado, here are some winter garden maintenance tips.
Check your tools
Your garden tools are quite literally the extension of you. They are how you turn your ideas for your garden into a reality. And, while it might not have been that long since you used some of them, it’s a good idea to check them to make sure they’re ready for the hard work come springtime. Take a look at tools like your rake and your trowel to make sure they don’t have any weaknesses.
You might even find that it’s time to retire some of your tools. And while it’s a shame, now is the best time to go and buy new tools because it’s off-season. Don’t forget to look into sharpening any blades you have for mowing the lawn or cutting your hedges so they’re ready to tackle the winter growth when it warms up.
While you’re in your shed, take the time to clear it out and tidy things up. Are there items in there that haven’t moved in years? Consider selling or donating them and you’ll appreciate the space in your shed!
Look out for pests
While pests are an issue to keep an eye on all year round, there are some pests that naturally go away during the winter like hornets and wasps. However, pests like rats and mice will still be at large, especially because they’ll be looking for a warm place to nest. Here are some signs to look out for that will indicate pests in your garden:
- Chewed bits of debris around your garden
- Holes in your shed
- Droppings
- Food scattered in random areas of your garden
- Sounds of scurrying
There are lots of ways to deal with pests, but the best way of making sure they’re truly gone is by getting pest control in. The last thing you want is for pests to make their way into your home!
Take care of weeds
Weeds are another pain that you have to deal with all year around. The problem is in the winter, you’re less likely to be outside to remove them, and out of nowhere it feels like they are everywhere. Pick a dry day and go around your garden to pick out all of the weeds in your garden. Once you’ve picked them all, treat those areas with weed killer – this should help keep them at bay until you’re more likely to be gardening. Remember to be careful not to spray grass and shrubbery as weed killers will most definitely kill it off.
Clear any debris
If there’s one thing that’s for sure, it’s that your garden will have accumulated some sort of debris thanks to the fall leaves and wintery weather. You might find that you’ve got twigs, leaves, soil and dust all over your garden. Take your wheelbarrow and clear the debris around your garden. While there might be some more blow in between now and the spring, it will make your job much easier in the long run. Plus, you can admire your garden from the warmth of your home!
Prune your shrubs and trees
If you’ve got shrubs and trees in your garden with colorful stems or large foliage, there’s a good chance they’re bare by now. This is the perfect time to prune them so that they can grow fresh shoots and flowers when the weather begins to warm up. Pro tip: any trees that grow fruit will really thrive from being pruned because it helps them grow back the following season healthier than ever!
Note: not all flowers are suitable for pruning in the winter! Do your research before pruning if you’re unsure to avoid accidentally killing something off!
Prepare your soil
If you’ve got big plans for new flowers when the weather is more suitable, you’ll want to spend some time preparing your soil. With the cold and wet weather, there’s a good chance your soil isn’t in the best condition. And, without some attention, it won’t be ideal for planting once spring rolls around. Clear any debris from your soil and turn it over with your trowel. This will help prevent your soil from becoming too soggy with the wet weather. Soggy soil isn’t good for plants and will kill them off! Head to your local garden store and speak to someone about the possibility of adding fertiliser to make your soil even better!
Plan your garden
Speaking of plans, now is the time to take a look around your garden and plan out what you want to do in your garden next year. Perhaps you like the idea of growing your own fruit and vegetables? Or maybe you’ve always loved the idea of building your own outdoor pizza oven/BBQ? While you might not be able to do it just yet, you can start planning the materials and space you’ll need.
Plant some evergreens
Finally, it’s understandable that you don’t want your garden looking bare this winter, and a great way of solving that problem is by planting evergreens. They’re really low maintenance and can add that pop of colour that you want into your garden when it’s cold outside. Perhaps you could plant some shrubbery around a walkway and hang fairy lights to make it pretty? If you’ve got a tree or shrub that resembles a Christmas tree, consider decorating it to spread joy to your garden as well!
