Our top tips to get your garden ready for winter ❄️  

Winter can be harsh on your garden, but with the right preparations, you can protect plants, maintain tools, and ensure your outdoor space thrives when spring arrives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your garden winter ready. ❄️🌿 

1) Protect Young Plants & Trees from Harsh Conditions 🌱 

Cold temperatures and frost can damage young or delicate plants. Wrapping them in horticultural fleece provides an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures and harsh winds. Bubble wrap or straw mulch can also help insulate pots and vulnerable root systems. 

2) Add Winter-Flowering Plants for Seasonal Colour 🌸 

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your garden has to be dull! Hellebores, snowdrops, and pansies thrive in colder months, adding vibrant colour and keeping your garden looking alive even on the frostiest days. 

3) Clean, Oil & Maintain Your Gardening Tools 🛠️ 

Before storing tools for winter, give them a thorough clean to remove dirt and rust. Oiling metal parts prevents corrosion, and sharpening blades ensures they’re ready for use in spring. Don’t forget to drain fuel from petrol-powered tools if you have any to avoid engine damage over winter. 

4) Service Your Mower & Other Power Tools ⚙️ 

Winter is the perfect time to book a service for your lawnmower, trimmers, and other garden equipment. Keeping them well-maintained now means they’ll be in top condition when you need them again in spring. 

5) Drain Water Butts to Prevent Freezing 💦 

Water expands when frozen, which can cause water butts to crack. Drain or partially empty them to prevent damage or use an insulated cover to protect against frost. If you still need access to water, install a simple tap or drainpipe system to control flow. 

6) Get Ready for Falling Leaves 🍂 

Deciduous trees will soon shed their leaves, so make sure you have a blower, broom, and scoop ready to keep paths and lawns clear. Collecting leaves regularly prevents them from clogging drains or smothering your lawn. Consider making leaf mould by storing collected leaves in a bag or compost bin—it’s a fantastic soil conditioner! 

7) Stake Plants That Need Extra Support 🌿 

Strong winds and heavy rain can cause taller plants and shrubs to bend or break. Installing stakes or plant support now will prevent damage and help keep plants upright through stormy weather. 

8) Plant New Trees – Now’s the Perfect Time! 🌳 

Winter is one of the best times to plant trees because they can establish strong root systems before spring growth begins. Whether you’re adding fruit trees, ornamental trees, or evergreens, now is a great time to get them into the ground. 

Remember... 

Taking these simple yet essential steps will ensure your garden stays protected during winter and is ready to thrive in spring. From wrapping young plants and servicing tools to planting winter colour and preparing for falling leaves, a little effort now can save a lot of hassle later. ❄️🌱 

Are you closing down your garden efforts for winter or braving the cold? Let me know in the comments! 🌿😊 

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