Preparing Your Garden For
WINTER
Getting your garden ready for winter is essential to protect plants and ensure they thrive when warmer weather returns.
Here are some tips to prepare your garden for the colder months.
CLEAN UP
Clear out dead annuals and any debris from the garden beds to prevent pests and diseases.
Remove fallen leaves from lawns and garden beds to prevent suffocation and promote healthy growth in spring.
Clean and properly store garden tools, such as shovels, pruners, and hoses, to prevent rust and damage.
ADJUST WATER
Adjust your watering schedules as the weather cools and rainy days become more frequent.
Use a rain gauge to monitor natural precipitation.
Check the soil moisture level regularly. Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry an inch or two below the surface, it's time to water.
Drain irrigation systems to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
AVOID OVER-WATERING
Soggy soil can lead to root rot, which is especially risky in cold weather when plants are less able to recover. Ensure good drainage for your plants.
PRUNING AND TRIMMING
Winter is generally a good time for pruning trees, as most trees are dormant during this period.
Avoid pruning during early winter, as it may stimulate new growth, which can be damaged by frost. Always consider the specific needs of the tree species you are pruning, as some trees may have different requirements. If you're unsure, seek advice from a local nursery or arborist.
- Prune trees and shrubs to remove damaged or diseased branches and shape them for winter.
- Trim back perennial plants to ground level or to a few inches above to remove dead growth.
- Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make clean cuts. This helps the tree heal faster and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
- You can opt to reduce the size of the tree by selectively pruning branches. However, avoid removing more than 30% of the tree's canopy in a single season to prevent stress.
- After pruning, monitor the tree for any signs of stress or disease. Provide appropriate watering and nutrients to help the tree recover.
DEADWOOD REMOVAL
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. This helps improve the tree's overall health and appearance. Deadwood is typically dry, brittle, and lacks any signs of life such as green leaves or buds. It may also be discoloured or have a different texture compared to healthy wood.
THINNING
Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. This can help reduce the risk of disease and improve the tree's structure.
DIRECTIONAL PRUNING
Control the growth direction of branches to maintain a specific shape, encourage balanced growth, or direct growth away from obstacles.
Mulch
Apply mulch to garden beds to insulate plant roots, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Straw is an excellent winter mulch for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Compost and shredded leaves also make great winter mulch, especially for perennials as they break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.
Lawns
During winter, your lawn grows more slowly, so you can reduce the frequency of mowing. Raise the cutting height of your mower to leave the grass a bit longer, which can help protect the roots from cold and frost. Consider overseeding your lawn with a cool-season grass variety that thrives in winter. This can help keep your lawn looking green and healthy throughout the colder months.
Aerating your lawn helps improve air, water, and nutrient penetration into the soil, which can promote healthier grass growth. Aerated soil provides a better environment for seed germination and root growth.
Cover sensitive plants or delicate shrubs with burlap or frost blankets to shield them from harsh weather.
If you live in an area prone to frosts, consider moving sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area to protect them.
FIRE PITS
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. This helps improve the tree's overall health and appearance. Deadwood is typically dry, brittle, and lacks any signs of life such as green leaves or buds. It may also be discoloured or have a different texture compared to healthy wood.
OUTDOOR FIRE PLACES
An outdoor fireplace can add warmth, ambiance and a focal point to your alfresco / outdoor living space. Available in a variety of materials and designs, from traditional to modern, they can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home. Outdoor fireplaces can be freestanding or built into a structure such as a patio wall or outdoor kitchen; they can be wood-burning, gas-powered, or ethanol-fuelled. Talk to Alex, our landscape architect about designing an outdoor fireplace that compliments your garden aesthetic and directs smoke away from seating areas.
OUTDOOR HEATERS
Consider standalone heaters that can be placed on a patio or deck, or for smaller spaces and areas where floor space is limited; heaters that can be mounted on walls or ceilings are a good option. The advantage of using a heater as opposed to open fire is that the temperature output can be easily controlled with specific settings and the flick of a dial. Gas heaters should only be used in well-ventilated areas, so for smaller, more enclosed spaces look to electric radiant or infrared technology. Our design team love Infratech SL series Heaters for their sleek aesthetic and quality manufacturing.
GETTING COSY
When the weather gets chilly, nothing beats sitting around an open fire or outdoor heater to cosy on up. When choosing an outdoor heating option, consider factors such as the size of your outdoor space, the amount of heat you need, fuel availability, and safety considerations. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and maintenance of outdoor heating devices.
- Outdoor Heaters: there are several types of outdoor heaters on the market; including Freestanding, fixed, mounted (on walls / ceilings) or compact table-top. They come in various sizes, styles and fuel types including, propane, natural gas and electric.
- Infrared Heat Lamps: use infrared technology to heat objects and people directly, rather than heating the surrounding air. They are often used in outdoor dining areas or patios.
- Fire Pits: Are a popular choice for outdoor gatherings. They provide warmth and create a cozy atmosphere. Fire pits can be wood-burning, gas-powered, or even electric.
- Chimineas: are a freestanding, front-loading fireplace with a vertical chimney. They provide a good amount of heat and can be used for cooking as well – they also make great pizza ovens.
- Outdoor Fireplaces: similar to indoor fireplaces but designed for outdoor use. There are various fuel options available and they can be designed in different sizes and styles to suit any aesthetic.
- Electric Blankets: Furnish and decorate your space with stylish and colourful electric blankets to create an extra sung outdoor area. Just remember to stow them away from the weather when not in use.
Planning & Design
Use the winter months to plan out your garden for the upcoming season. Decide what plants you want to grow, where you will plant them, and how you will arrange your garden beds. Take this time to plan out your garden layout and design. Consider the placement of plants, paths, and other features to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. If you’re planning a major overhaul and redesign, speak to our team who are happy to assist a with design and construction, and check out our project gallery for some more inspiration.
Winter Planting
Consider planting cold-hardy winter vegetables or bulbs for early spring blooms; lettuce, spinach, and peas as soon as the soil can be worked.
For plants that require a longer growing season such as tomatoes, peppers, warm-season vegetables and flowers; start seeds indoors in late winter. This will give them a head start and allow you to transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
Order seeds, plants, and gardening supplies early to ensure you have everything you need when it's time to start planting.
Planning For Spring
Apply mulch to garden beds to insulate plant roots, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Straw is an excellent winter mulch for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Compost and shredded leaves also make great winter mulch, especially for perennials as they break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.