Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2023

WINTER JOBS
in the garden
As the cold winds of winter
sweep across the country, many
gardeners might be tempted to
retreat indoors, believing that the
gardening season has come to
a halt. However, winter can be a
crucial time for tending to your
garden and preparing it for the
upcoming spring. In fact, several
essential gardening tasks can
help your garden thrive during the
colder months. Here are some
important tasks to consider:
PRUNING:
Winter is an excellent time for
pruning deciduous trees, shrubs,
and fruit trees. With the leaves gone,
it’s easier to see the plant’s structure
and identify dead or damaged
branches. Pruning during this
season encourages healthy growth
in the spring and reduces the risk
of disease. Roses also benefit from
winter pruning.
WINTER MULCHING:
Adding a layer of mulch to your
garden beds can help protect the
soil and plant roots from freezing
temperatures. Mulch also helps
to retain moisture and suppress
weeds, ensuring your garden
remains in good condition.
PROTECTING
VULNERABLE
PLANTS:
Tender plants, such as certain
perennials or newly planted trees
and shrubs, may need extra
protection. Consider covering them
with horticultural fleece or burlap to
shield them from frost.
CLEANING AND
MAINTAINING
TOOLS:
Winter is an ideal time to clean
and sharpen your gardening tools.
Properly maintained tools will last
longer and make your gardening
tasks more efficient when the
growing season returns.
GREENHOUSE CARE:
If you have a greenhouse, it’s
essential to keep it in good
condition. Check for any leaks or
damaged glass and ensure proper
insulation to protect your plants
from the cold. You can also use the
greenhouse to start seedlings early
for spring planting.
CLEARING DEBRIS:
Clean up fallen leaves, dead plants,
and any debris from the garden
beds. Removing plant matter can
help prevent the spread of diseases
and discourage overwintering pests.
One piece of kit that makes this a
breeze is the Stiga VS 100e Kit
Cordless Vacuum Shredder (£251,
stiga.com/uk)- can not only be
used as a blower but can also
vacuum up debris around the
garden and shred it into an ecofriendly
mulch that you can then
use on your flowerbeds. Two tools
in one and all powered by battery
technology! The bonus is it’s also
great in the summer months for
cleaning up after hedge trimming.
FEEDING BIRDS:
Winter is a challenging time for
wildlife. Providing food, water, and
shelter for birds can attract a variety
of species to your garden and
contribute to the local ecosystem.
GARDEN PLANNING:
Winter offers an excellent
opportunity to plan your garden for
the upcoming year. Research and
order seeds, bulbs, and plants, and
create a garden layout to ensure a
well-organized and thriving garden
in the spring.
By attending to these essential
gardening tasks during the winter
months, you can help ensure a
healthy, vibrant garden that will
thrive in spring and beyond. So,
don’t hang up your gardening
gloves just yet; there’s plenty to do
to keep your garden in excellent
shape during the winter.
40 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk