Blog, Gardening Advice
Ultimate Guide – How To Winterproof Your Garden
The harsh and bitter conditions the winter brings means that our gardens and outdoor spaces can suffer, causing our plants to suffer and leave our grass in poor condition. There are a multitude of things you can do to preserve your garden and ensure you have a blooming garden in spring.
CUT YOUR LAWN
It’s best to get your lawn cut before the cold and damp weather sets in. If this job is neglected, it’ll be close to impossible to cut during the autumn and winter season. It’s also important to regularly rake your garden to allow your lawn access to as much air and light as possible. The best time to rake is the first frost of autumn, as after this time leaves will begin falling regularly. These leaves can be saved and used to cover your flower beds to preserve the plants and soil.
REFRESH YOUR GARDEN
As you would spring clean the interior of your home, it’s also important to refresh your outdoor space and prepare it for the autumn season. Cut back your plants and make sure your shed/greenhouse is clear for storing everything that you may need for winter.
Now would also be the perfect time to pressure wash any patio or decking that features in your garden, to remove any dirt or grime. This will stop excessive dirt build-up from occurring on your patio over the wet winter months.
PREPARE YOUR PLANTS
It’s important to divide your flowers into hardy and non-hardy flowers. Some plants are able to withstand snow and rain out in the garden, whereas others require a little extra love and care. Hardy flower species are:
- Rhododendron
- Christmas roses
- Heather
Non – hardy flower species are:
- Fuchsias
- Geraniums
- Hibiscus
Non – hardy plants should be moved inside to a cool, dark place such as a cellar or basement before the first frost. If your plants need a lot of light, ensure they’re placed near a window to have access to the light they need.
POTTED PLANTS
With the hardy plants that are able to remain outside, wrap the pots in bubble wrap or fleece to protect against exceptionally cold temperatures.
COVER YOUR FLOWERBEDS
Take time to cover your flower beds with leaves or a frost fleece to place a protective barrier between your flower beds and the cold temperatures. Looking towards Spring, planting tulips and daffodil bulbs in the Autumn is the ideal time.
CLEAR YOUR GARDEN OF SNOW AND ICE
It’s important to clear your garden of snow, as not only a safety precaution but also allows your garden to stay in good condition. Heavy snow can cause pruned limbs and branches to snap due to the weight of heavy snowfall, so it is important to clear this.
Walking across grass that is frozen can affect your grass, so if you have a path in your garden it’s preferable to walk on this to preserve your lawn.
If your paths are icy, there are alternatives to salt and deicers which can affect your plants. Sand, sawdust and cat litter are some options to clear your paths and paved areas, to allow for safe walking.
PROTECT YOUR TAP
Your tap may go unnoticed or forgotten about, so it’s worth removing your garden hose from the outdoor tap and shutting it off. Not doing this could result in it freezing and getting damaged by the expanding ice. It’s also worth noting that if you have a zinc watering can, this could also become damaged by ice. It’s best to tidy these away, or alternatively place them upside down so no water can get inside.
It’s important to prepare your garden for the winter to prevent damage to your plants, patios and gardens. With these tips and tricks, you can have a successful winter with your garden in great condition ready for the springtime.
