Winter is a time of year when all of the green things in your garden tend to go into hibernation. That means less work getting those plants under control. But, even during the coldest weeks, there’s still work to be done outdoors.
And the chances are that the effort you put in now will pay dividends when spring rolls around.
What to do in the garden during winter
Let’s look at a few essential tasks to get through during the winter months.
Pruning
Dead branches can be safely removed at this point. They’re often a burden on the plant, and easily identifiable. By taking action now, you’ll reduce the chance that disease will spread to the rest of the plant.
In the case of roses, we should prune before leaves start to take shape. You can be aggressive with some varieties, but not others – experience and research should help you to make the distinction.
Protecting delicate plants
There are certain kinds of plants that won’t be able to weather a frost. These should be moved indoors wherever possible. Where this isn’t possible, you can simply remove them to some sheltered area of the garden, and make sure that the roots are kept dry.
Again, different plants will demand different treatments – and your knowledge of what’s appropriate will help determine your success.
Clearing debris
If you’ve got any large trees in or near your garden, then you might find that the lawn is quickly covered with fallen leaves. Clearing this away will provide you with a valuable source of compost (though there’s some evidence to say that it might actually be a waste of time).
Weeding
The sooner you identify and deal with weeds, the less chance they have to spread. Doing this mechanically will allow you to be more precise, but you could equally apply a chemical weedkiller. Just be mindful of the environmental consequences.
How to protect yourself
Gardening can provide an intense physical workout. In some cases, it can even inflict injury. You might find yourself harmed by faulty tools or equipment (which would form grounds for a personal injury claim), or you could simply trip and fall.
Other possible sources of injury are more subtle. You’ll want to protect yourself from the cold by wrapping up warm, particularly if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. Dry skin can also be a problem, especially for the hands. Moisturise regularly, and protect yourself!
Conclusion
Winter might be considered the ‘off’ season as far as gardening is concerned. But it presents an excellent chance to get the space ready for the coming year. The work you do at this point will provide you with the time you need during spring and summer!