Tips for winter gardening

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Just because it’s winter it doesn’t mean your green fingers have to hibernate – take advantage of this season to catch up on tasks that were put off during the rest of the year. Whether it’s protecting plants from severe cold, decorating the garden, or planning for next year, there’s plenty to keep you busy while you wait for spring to arrive.

Project work

What are your goals for next year? Do you want to simplify so you can spend more time enjoying your garden? Tackle a big project? Whether you decide on a new pathway, fire pit, water feature or patio, get inspired with Rockery Stone at www.yorkstonesupplies.co.uk.

Revamp your surroundings

Spruce up the garden using evergreen boughs and berries, or purchase them from your local nursery and create wreaths, garlands or arrangements to adorn entryways, winter-proof containers and window boxes. For winter planting we recommend that you choose plants and combinations that marry toughness, colour, and texture.

Grow your own

Greens such as lettuce, arugula and mustard, along with cold weather crops including kale and Swiss chard can be grown in a cloche or cold frame. Many root crops and brassicas can overwinter for a spring harvest.

Play with colours

There’s nothing like winter-blooming plants to lift your spirits during the colder months. Shrubs like flowering hazel, winter witch hazel and honeysuckle offer colour and fragrance at a time when you need it most. Early bulbs together with snowdrops, species crocus and winter aconite will even pop up through a shallow cover of snow, giving you hope that spring is not far away.

Look after nature

Make sure your feathered friends have a steady source of food and water so they’ll stay year-round to help with pest control and balancing your garden’s ecosystem. Place nesting homes by February if you would like to extend your bird population.

Prep prep prep

Start pruning trees and shrubs in late winter before they break dormancy. Make sure you do not prune early bloomers until after they have flowered as you will lose this season’s blooms.

Bring them indoors

Growing bulbs indoors such as paperwhite narcissus or amaryllis is a great way to keep your hands in the dirt and bring some living cheer into your home.

So grab your wellies and gardening gloves, and make your way to the garden – there are lots to do to keep you occupied this winter (and you’ll thank us in Spring).