Winter Jobs in the Garden

 

Winter Jobs in the Garden

Winter is upon us, and as we get ready for Christmas we can enjoy the bright sunny cold days ahead of us.

If you are still keen to get out into your garden to make the most of the fresh air there are plenty of jobs to keep you busy....

 

Garden: There’s still plenty of colour to be enjoyed in the garden, either from flowers or evergreen shrubs.

- Prune climbing roses and gather the fallen leaves to prevent black spot.

- Plant winter flowers such as Cyclamen, Ivy, Aconites, Pansies, Winter Jasmine, Evergreen Grasses and Skimmia, have a look in your local garden centre and see what is flowering or looking lovely in the winter.

- Take hardwood cuttings for propagation

- Make wreaths from holly, ivy and evergreen cuttings.

- Plant spring bulbs if you haven’t already.

- Insulate taps and make sure the greenhouse is clean.

- Propagate your perennials

- Remove aphids from plants

- Keep the grass clear of leaves etc

- Group pots together in a protected area of your garden

- Keep feeding the birds throughout the winter

Vegetables: The vegetable garden doesn’t have to grind to a halt in the winter, there are plenty of winter crops to be harvested.

- Remove Leeks, carrots and parsnips before the ground freezes, they can be stored in a cold frame all winter.

- Remove the yellow leaves from winter brassicas, these could harbour pests and diseases, you can also cover brassicas with a net to protect from birds.

- Dig over any empty beds and cover with manure, allow the frosts to do the hard work of breaking it down and filtering the nutrients into the soil, enriching it ready for the spring.

 

Fruit: Doing a bit of work now will ensure bumper crops next year.

- Prune grape vines and fruit trees whilst they are dormant

- Prune back old raspberry canes and plant new ones.

- Replace old strawberry plants as they become less productive

- Other Jobs: On a cold crisp day keep warm by doing maintenance jobs in your garden, freeing up your time in the new year

- Service your lawnmower and sharpen the blades.

- Clear out the shed and make a list of new items you need for next year

- Repair fence panels

- Clean paving using either a hard broom or jet washer

- Turn the compost heap

Finally….sit down with a cuppa and plan your garden for next year, order your seeds and wait for the spring!