10 Professional Tips to Preparing Your Garden for Winter
The task of preparing your garden for winter should never be taken lightly. As the temperatures outside begin to drop, it is important to appreciate some of the steps that can be taken to ensure the beauty of your garden for years to come. The only possible issue is that winter garden maintenance can be slightly more challenging. Therefore, the team at Brosnan Property Solutions is here to help, with expert advice from our landscape gardeners.
We have been providing targeted landscaping solutions to customers throughout Cork for decades. From initial design conceptualisation to landscaping and planting, we leave nothing to chance. As our team is familiar with the challenges associated with targeted property maintenance, we recommend the ten suggestions outlined below this winter
Remove Dead or Diseased Plants
Rotting plants are eyesores in the garden. They may contain diseases and fungi that can impact the health of other plants. The months immediately preceding winter provide an excellent opportunity to perform some maintenance. These plants can either be removed entirely or buried beneath the soil to provide an additional layer of fertiliser.
Addressing Any Weeds that May be Present
It is not uncommon for weeds to take hold during the warmer months of the year. The issue here is that these plants are invasive, and they can threaten the health of nearby plants. One of our winter garden maintenance tips involves removing any weeds that are present. It could also be wise to consult with a Brosnan handyman to determine which species might present the greatest threats.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter with Cover Crops
Cover crops are certain types of plants (such as vetch and clover) that will offer protection to more sensitive species. Cover plants provide several additional benefits. They can help to prevent soil erosion; they will add nutrients to the ground and they can contribute to the amount of organic matter found within your garden beds. Most experts agree that these species should be planted at least one month before the first frost.
Soil Preparation
The months leading up to winter present you with an excellent opportunity to prepare your soil for the following spring. The addition of specific nutrients (such as compost and rock phosphate) in advance will enable them to break down within the soil before spring finally returns.
Care for Your Perennials
Knowing how to prepare a garden for winter temperatures also involves a certain amount of pruning. Specific plants should be trimmed, as this will help them from becoming overgrown or from spreading into other areas of the garden. Typical examples include rosemary, thyme, sage, roses, and blackberries. One of our landscape gardeners will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Planting Bulbs
Do you know when to plant winter garden bulbs? This question can confuse many homeowners, so a bit of clarification is in order. Any plants which have recently bloomed and then withered away should be dug up and divided. This helps to prevent overcrowding during the next growing season. Dig a hole around the plant (approximately six inches in radius) and carefully remove any bulbs which have grown together. These can thereafter be planted in other areas throughout your garden.
Compost Issues
Autumn is the best time to top-up garden beds with compost that has been sitting over the summer. This material can also be used to fertilise your lawn or to place nutrients back into soils that have presented problems in the past. When constructing a fresh compost heap, cover it with plenty of leaves to provide a layer of insulation against colder temperatures. Make sure to separate your household trash so all organic matters can go in your compost heap, comments zero waste blog activist Antonia Ko.
Add a Layer of Mulch
It is always a good idea to provide an additional layer of mulch to your flower beds before winter temperatures drop below freezing. Mulch can help to protect the underlying soil from frost that might otherwise damage delicate plant roots while providing additional nutrients.
Care for Your Gardening Tools
Gardeners appreciate the importance that tools have on their plants. Therefore, Autumn is the perfect time to clean, sharpen and/or replace the tools that you utilise regularly. It is wise to add a thin layer of oil to metallic surfaces, as this will help to prevent rust.
Assess Your Progress
Were you satisfied with the overall gardening season? Do you think that any changes could have been made? Preparing your garden for winter and the following spring also involves addressing these metrics:
- The performance of fruits and vegetables.
- Soil fertility.
- The presence of weeds and similarly invasive species.
- How and where plants were placed.
- The overall aesthetic appeal of the garden.
Try to assess these topics as honestly and accurately as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s finish by addressing a handful of common questions associated with preparing your garden for winter.
How Can I Prepare My Garden for Winter?
Some expert suggestions include removing any weeds, covering exposed areas with a layer of mulch, pruning specific plants, and adding nutrients to the underlying soil.
Should I Cover My Garden in the Winter?
If temperatures are prone to drop below freezing, garden patches should be covered with mulch. This helps to protect delicate roots while simultaneously adding extra nutrients as the mulch decomposes.
What Can I Grow in a Winter Garden?
Some common winter plants include onions, shallots, peas, asparagus, and garlic. So, we can see that preparing your garden for winter can also provide you with a handful of tasty treats!
How Can I Improve My Garden Soil Over the Winter?
Mulch and compost can both be used to enhance the quality of your soil. Removing weeds and employing cover crops will also contribute to higher concentrations of nutrients.
How Should My Garden Furniture be Protected During the Winter?
When possible, move this furniture to protected areas such as a shed or a garage. If these spaces are not available, cover the furniture with a waterproof tarp. Oil any exposed metals and place an extra coat of paint, lacquer or stain atop any wooden furniture.
When Should I Plant My Winter Garden?
Generally, any plants should be placed in the ground between six and eight weeks ahead of the first frost. Consult with an expert to determine if certain seeds should be planted earlier when preparing your garden for winter.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter with the Help of Brosnan Property Solutions
Preparing your garden for winter conditions does not have to represent an insurmountable task if you choose to follow the instructions highlighted above. While a bit of planning will still be involved, foresight is always key to avoid any unpleasant surprises once spring has finally “sprung”.
While the team at Brosnan Property Solutions is pleased to offer further advice, please note that we provide other services including:
Brosnans expect advice is available whenever you need it. All you need to do is contact one of our experts directly. When preparing your garden for winter, it pays to work with the best in the business. If you would like to learn how to landscape a small garden, read the linked article. With winter only around the corner, you might need to know how often should you have your boiler serviced or are in need of a guide for a burst pipe repair. Check out the articles for great advice.
