1. Fallen Leaves
Rake up fallen leaves to prevent slippery paths – once you have raked up the leaves, you can then compost these to use on your borders.
2. Wrap Pots Containing Shrubs
Wrap pots containing shrubs to protect the roots from cold damage – protect any shrubs in pots from winter frost by wrapping the pots with bubble wrap.
If you want to improve appearance, you can then wrap with a hessian sack which will not only help project the roots but will also help prevent the pots from cracking
3. Winter Habitat for Garden Wildlife
Create a winter habitat for garden wildlife – instead of cutting back your herbaceous perennials, leave a selection as a winter habitat for insects such as ladybirds.
4. Cover Tender, Newly Planted Woodlands Plants
A suggestion for this is to create a wigwam out of canes and tie on material. The wigwam can then be embedded in the soil to hold it down.
This will help keep the rooting zone drier, which helps the young plants’ chance of survival during the winter.
If the weather turns milder, lift the covers and check the rooting area is not too dry. If the area is dry, water and re-cover.
5. Prune Roses
In November cut back your rose stems by a third.
In January or February, you then need to cut back the plant to about half, creating an even rounded shape and removing any dead, damaged or diseased stems.
6. Look after your Lawns
For tips on how how to look after your lawns, please see our more detailed blog that can be found here
7. Look after Wildlife
Birds need all the help then can get over the winter months.
Leave out feeders and water baths. If your ponds or water features freeze over, break the ice so birds can still get a drink.
If you plan to have a fire over winter, check there are no hedgehogs or other hibernating creatures nesting first.
8. Take Stock of your Garden
Winter is a good time to grab a notebook and walk round your garden.
It’s a perfect time to look at what might not have worked as well as you expected and write down any new ideas you may have for the coming year.
9. Protect Outside Taps
Protect outside taps from the winter weather!
If you have taps that can be isolated from a stop tap, then turn this off and drain the tap.
This will prevent burst pipes and damage to the tap in frosty conditions.
If you cannot isolate the tap, insulate any exposed pipes and cover the tap with a cover
10. Treat your Garden Furniture
Clean, repair, sand down and treat your garden furniture.
Once done it’s a good idea to store them undercover during the winter months.
