Gardening jobs to complete before the colder months

Green-fingered Brits are being told of the most important garden tasks to complete before the temperature drops even more.

Gardening experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.com have advised of five key garden tasks which need to be completed before the coldest months. Whilst some plants can handle the harsh conditions some require extra care to survive through the months.

Winter can often creep up early into November so it’s important to be ahead of tasks during this month otherwise there will be catch up to do in December.

Be sure to check garden sheds and summer houses, making sure they are secure and waterproof to be confident tools will remain protected from the outside environment. As temperatures change, wooden buildings can contract, leading to small gaps appearing between boards, in the corners and around the roof. Check carefully for any gaps and fill them using sealant, or patch up larger holes with extra wood.

It is also a good idea to bring certain weaker plants indoors which won’t survive outdoors in the winter conditions, such as ferns or citrus trees. You can take these back outdoors once the weather conditions clear up.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.com said “Not looking after your garden during the winter can lead to many problems when spring arrives, there are many different areas of the garden which will need extra TLC.

“You can help the wildlife which visits your garden, putting out feeders will help aid birds throughout the winter whilst also keeping your garden lively – consider putting out log piles for other little critters too.

“Lawn and plant care should be prioritised as this is the best time to prepare your garden for the spring, allowing for a colourful flourishing environment to bloom when the warm weather comes back around”

Garden tasks to complete before winter:

• Lawn care

Your lawn may have suffered over summer so the winter months are the perfect time to resurrect it. After the last cut of the season it is a good idea to rake all of the leaves which have fallen – put these aside where they can break down and turn into mulch that will be useful to you later on. After raking the lawn you can sow grass seeds to the bare patches to allow for it to grow evenly ready for the spring.

• Mulch

Adding mulch to your garden is a great way to add nutrients to your plants during the cold seasons. Use fallen leaves, grass clippings and wood chips to create a thick layer around shrubs and trees, the benefits not only include enriching the soil but helps plants to deter weeds and retain moisture.

• Greenhouses

Greenhouses are a great home for maintaining a warm environment for your plants. Prepare your greenhouse by removing any plant debris which could harbour pests and wash the glazing covers inside and out to ensure optimal light entry which is crucial during the winter months, move any delicate plants into the greenhouse once ready.

• Spring bulbs

Autumn is the best time to plant spring bulbs, ensuring a successful blossom come the later months. Most bulbs will come with their own instructions of when and how to plant them, always making sure they’re at the right depth and in good quality soil.

• Prune

Winter is the perfect time for cutting back on trees and shrubs, removing any dead or diseased branches to promote healthier growth in the spring. Be sure to cut at an angle to prevent water gathering which can cause rot.

• Garden Furniture

Some outdoor furniture sets can be affected by cold temperatures, strong winds or snow. To avoid the nasty surprise of damage or faded colours in the spring, be sure to cover up or store away your fabulous furniture so that it’s ready to go when the new season arrives.