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Winter garden tidy up – how do you look after your garden in the colder months?

Winter is a time when our garden seems to be somewhat forgotten. But that’s a mistake! Even if the temperature outside is cold and frosty, there are many things we can do to take care of our garden and prepare it for the coming months. From properly pruning plants to protecting them from frost, winter garden maintenance is essential to ensure that our plants will be healthy and beautiful in the spring season.

Here are some examples of the work you should do in your garden in winter:

  • Pruning: Winter is a good time to prune older or damaged branches of trees and shrubs. Remember, however, that some plants are better pruned at a different time, such as a tuja after it has flowered.
  • Frost protection: Although many plants are frost-resistant, others may need extra protection. You can, for example, cover delicate plants with agro-fleece or use special protective films.
  • Protecting beds: In winter, it is also a good idea to protect your beds from wind and frost. You can do this with bark, branches or straw.
  • Weed control: Winter is a good time to get rid of weeds which can disturb your garden in the spring season. You can remove them by hand or use an herbicide.
  • Checking gardening equipment: Winter is also a good time to check and possibly repair your gardening equipment, such as pruning shears or a lawnmower. This will ensure that they are ready for use in the spring season.

Which trees are best pruned in winter?

Coniferous trees such as spruces, firs, pines and yews are best pruned in winter. During this time, these trees are dormant and do not produce new shoots, which means they are less sensitive to pruning. Pruning conifers in winter also makes it easier to spot diseased or damaged branches that need to be removed.

If you want to prune deciduous trees, it is best to do so after their leaves have fallen completely. In this way, it will be easier to spot a diseased or damaged shoot and to better judge the shape of the tree. Remember, however, that some deciduous trees, such as birches or poplars, are better pruned at a different time, such as the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.

Some garden plants are more sensitive to frost than others and may need extra winter protection

  • Here are some examples of plants that cope poorly with frost:
  • Warm-season flowers: Plants such as hibiscus, bromelia and flamingo are sensitive to low temperatures and may freeze.
  • Plants with delicate foliage: Plants such as fuchsia and geraniums can have trouble overwintering, especially if the leaves are not properly protected.
  • Plants with soft stems: Some plants, such as periwinkle or jasmine, can have trouble overwintering if the stems are too soft and easily damaged by frost.
  • Potted plants: Potted plants, such as succulents or ferns, are also sensitive to frost. They usually need to be moved to a cooler place in winter or protected additionally, e.g. by covering them with agro-fibre.

Which garden tools will you need right at the start of spring?

  • Here are some gardening tools that may be useful at the very beginning of spring:
  • Rakes: Rakes are useful for removing dry leaves and branches from beds and flowerbeds.
  • Shovels: Shovels are needed for digging up beds and removing weeds.
  • Hoes: Hoes are useful for loosening soil and removing stones from beds.
  • Seeders: Seeders allow you to accurately spread seeds in the beds.
  • Cultivators: Cultivators are used for loosening and loosening soil in beds.
  • Gardening gloves: Gardening gloves protect your hands from thorns and sharp plant edges.
  • Secateurs: Secateurs will come in handy for pruning plants and branches.
  • Saws: Saws are useful for cutting thicker branches of trees and shrubs.