5 Tips for Maintaining Your Garden in Winter

So you think your garden is dormant during the colder months? What if I told you that you can make preparations for the following spring and summer that will "optimise" your garden for the warmer months? Well, I'm telling you!

Aerate the soil of your lawn
Your lawn might become compacted during the winter months, meaning that water won't get to the roots of your lawn. If that happens, your grass can die. The way to avoid this is to aerate the soil of your lawn with a pitchfork. However, if you have a large lawn, put the pitchfork away, and opt for a lawn aerator device instead. Also watch out for weeds...if you do find weeds growing in winter (they certainly can do), then it's best to weed after a rainfall - they come out a lot easier then.

Mulch away!
Mulching in winter helps prevent weeds growing in the first place. Use organic mulch to aid in feeding the garden beds.

Snails and slugs - absolute pests
Snails and slugs give the appearance of being rather harmless, if a little icky. No - they're both icky and harmful. A strange but effective way to get rid of snails and slugs is to leave a tray of beer on the grass - snails and slugs are attracted to the yeast in the beer, and it's there thay they drown (what a way to go!).

Prune those trees and shrubs
Start thinking about winter as early as August! Yes, get pruning towards the end of summer - wait for plants to wither before cutting them back.

Consider winter vegetables
It's possible, but you will need to find a part of your garen that catches a lot of sun as winter vegetables still need some warmth to grow. English spinach, broad beans, snow peas, green beans and peas are good examples of winter vegetables.

Winter doesn't have to be monochrome - add colour!
Now this will depend on local knowledge! Go to your local nursery to find out what grows best in winter. It will likely be potted plants for the colder months.

Article kindly provided by fplcontractors.com