3 Ways to Care For Your Garden in Winter
Posted on: June 25, 2015
Winter can take a toll on the lawn, but you don't have to neglect your plants and flowers just because the weather is harsh.
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, said Shakespeare - and if it comes from a garden that is well taken care of, there is a chance it may look even better and be more fragrant.
The winter can take a toll on the lawn, but you don't have to neglect your plants and flowers just because the weather is harsh. In fact, the colder months are an opportunity to prepare your garden for. Doing so will ensure by the time spring comes around, you have a healthy garden anyone would be proud of.
A cold snap can seriously damage the roots of flowers (particularly roses), potted plants and herbs. So here are some tips to take care of these precious greens:
1. How can you care for roses?
Caring for these special flowers in the winter means you will be rewarded with nice plump buds as the weather starts warming up.
If you decide to add new beds, it may be advisable to raise them to allow for drainage. For the existing ones, a layer of quality fertiliser will do the trick. Remember to get rid of fallen leaves; this is very important to ensure your roses remain disease-free.
Next, it's time to pull out your trusty garden tools for some essential tidying up and pruning. A quality pair of secateurs is a good investment.
Working in the garden can sometimes lead to cuts and wounds, so make sure you are immunised for tetanus to avoid unwanted infections.
2. What is the best way to take care of potted plants?
The biggest threat to potted plants in the winter is frost. Terracotta pots are particularly vulnerable, as frost can seriously damage plant roots penetrating through the sides.
First, keep an eye on the weather forecast - if the temperature is expected to drop significantly, store them in a covered space, like a garden shed. If this is not an option, consider wrapping them with a material like bubble wrap. In case there are several pots to cover, line them against a wall use a single sheet to wrap all the plants.
Heavy rains in the winter can also be a serious issue. They lead to superfluous moisture, which causes the roots to drown, starving them of oxygen.
The easiest way to avoid this is to purchase garden containers and pots that have drainage holes. You could also visit your nearest quality garden centre for look at products designed to raise plant pots a few centimeters above the ground, allowing moisture to escape.
3. How can you help your herbs survive the winter?
Herbs can be quite sensitive to the cold; however, timing is everything to help them become acclimated to the weather.
It is important to be mindful of when you add fertilisers to annual herbs - this is because if you do it closer to the winter months, the plants will continue grow, reducing their likelihood of becoming accustomed to changes in season. The same logic applies to heavy pruning - if done at the end of summer, it encourages growth without time to mature.
Finally, remember it is just as important to water your herbs in the winter as it is in the summer.
Where can I find out more?
If you need ideas, help or advice for a garden project or simply want to understand how to take better care of your lawn, - it is best to drop by at your nearest Stratco branch for some inspiration. Keep visiting our blog for the latest home improvement and gardening tips.