subject: Preparing Your Garden For Winter [print this page] As the temperatures drop, you will need to begin preparing your garden for winter. Plants will need extra protection from frost and any general tidying of your garden will need to be done before freezing temperatures hit. With the risk of weather conditions such as frost or snow, it is vital that your garden is well prepared to ensure that your plants are able to survive the winter.
As some types of plants are likely to be damaged by frost, it is vital that you take steps to keep them well protected. Large plants will need to be covered and any smaller vulnerable plants will need to be moved into a greenhouse. You may wish to consider adding a set of cold frames to your garden, as these will provide extra protection for your plants during winter.
During winter, gardening is less likely to be an enjoyable experience due to freezing temperatures. Therefore, you will need to carry out any garden maintenance, such as mowing lawns, removing diseased plants or clearing up any dead leaves or branches beforehand to ensure that your garden is kept tidy during winter. Add any dead leaves to your compost heap or use them to make rich mulch for your flowerbeds. October-November is a good time to complete any garden tasks, as this will give you time to begin protecting your plants before the frost and freezing temperatures hit.
You can also begin preparations to liven up your garden during winter. With a few small changes to your garden, you can prevent it from looking dark and dull during the cooler months. It is important to remember that not only your plants will require care during the winter. Many common garden visitors such as birds will need extra food for the winter, so consider stocking up on bird food and bird tables, as this will attract many colourful birds to your garden and increase wildlife activity during winter.
If you have any hedges, overgrown areas or ivy in your garden, then avoid trimming them, as birds can use them as shelter and will be provided with berries for food. The combination of colourful berries and wildlife will leave your garden looking much more attractive during winter.
If you have a greenhouse, then consider adding extra heating or lighting so that your plants are able to thrive during winter. Try to plan a clearout before winter so that your greenhouse is tidy and organised. A proper clearout will also provide you with extra space to store any garden tools or items for the winter.
