10 Top Tips to Look After Your Garden this Winter

Mummy says… I hope you have survived the recent stormy weather – we have had gale force winds and torrential rain. It has reminded me that I need to get outside to do some work before the weather gets really bad. I have been doing a little research and have found some top tips I want to share to look after your garden this winter…

1. Put away your garden furniture, if it isn’t already strewed across your garden! Wash down plastic furniture with warm soapy water, and make room in your shed or garage. If you have neither of these, or no room in them, choose the most sheltered corner of your garden. Most modern wooden, plastic and cast iron ones are ok to be left outdoors. Click here for more advice.
2. In the same way, collect any toys or outdoor games still hanging around from the lovely hot summer (doesn’t that seem sooooo long ago?!) Give them a clean and invest is an outdoor all weather storage box to keep them together until the spring. Take any broken or incomplete ones to your local recycling depot, if your children have outgrown them, take them to a charity shop.
3. Take down your gazebo or canopy, checking for any damage as you do so. If you need any replacement panels or a new canopy, pop over to  https://www.garden-camping.com/gazebo-spares/canopies-and-side-panels.html Make sure the canopy is dry and store some where that is free of damp as this is a garden must-have in the warmer weather.
4. Empty and stack any outdoor plant pots that will not be used during the winter in a sheltered area.
5. Clear your drain grids of any leaves or moss that has gathered so that all the lovely rainwater can easily drain away and not flood your paths. You could consider installing a water butt to collect water to wash your car, and water the plants in the warm dry weather.
6. Check any fence panels to make sure they are secure and not damaged.
7. Clean your garden paths, patio and decking of moss or other debris with a stiff brush or a power washer to reduce the chance of slipping. Sprinkle some biological washing powder over any stone surfaces to kill any living organisms such as algae. Leave for a few hours, giving a brush over a couple of times. Leave for a good few hours before washing away.
8. Your lawn will probably not need cutting for a few months so clean your lawnmower blades and grass strimmer cutting head of grass and dirt, use a light oil on any metallic surfaces and cover with a sheet in your garage or shed.
9. Prepare your perennial plants for the winter by cutting them back and mulching with straw, shredded leaves, or your Christmas tree branches in January.
10. If you have a pond, clear out any leaves or plant debris and use a pond deicer to prevent the water freezing. Check out https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/wgen/overwintering-garden-ponds.htm for winter care for fish.

By following these tips to look after your garden this winter you can relax and enjoy cosy nights in the warm with your family until Spring arrives. Have you any tips to add?

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