Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2023

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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
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Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2023

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