Winter has well and truly settled in for another year, and while most of us are spending more time indoors, escaping the elements, now is the perfect time to jump back in the garden. We’ve come up with our top 5 winter gardening tips to help inspire your next weekend activity:
Prune, prune, prune!
The winter months are great for pruning roses, deciduous plants (wait until their leaves have fallen), fruit trees (except for stone fruit), hydrangeas, grapes and raspberries. Make sure to stay on top of any weeds in garden beds and lawns to prevent them from growing out of control. In addition to pruning, winter is also great for planting roses, deciduous trees and camellias.
Mulch and feed
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to mulch, as this will help keep weeds away while acting as a blanket for your plant’s roots. Apply fertilisers that are relevant to the growth of your plants, such as seaweed, compost and manure. Your local nursery will be able to advise the best course of treatment for your plants
Protect your plants
If you live in an area that experiences frost throughout winter, it’s a good idea to use frost cloths or shelters to protect frost-tender plants from cooler mornings and nights. If you have a compost bin at home, it’s a good idea also to protect this using shelters and compost-friendly blankets.
Plan for spring and beyond
Spring will be here in no time, so winter is the perfect time to start planning your next gardening project. Create a Pinterest board, dive into a book or magazine with a cup of tea on the couch and let the inspiration flow. It’s also a good idea to sharpen, clean, and oil any garden tools so they’re ready to go the next time you need them.
Plant your seedlings
If you have an edible garden at home, winter is the perfect time for planting the following:
- Broccoli
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, Silverbeet and spinach
- Pak choi
- Broad beans
- Strawberries
- Garlic
- Onion and shallots
- Potatoes
- Herbs such as coriander and parsley
If you have citrus trees at home, you’ll notice an abundance of fruit appearing as it’s officially in season, along with rhubarb and avocado. So if you love baking or making homemade jams and preserves, winter is the perfect time to do so! Our favourite in the Ian Barker Gardens office is a Lemon Meringue Pie.
Prefer someone else to take of the garden? At Ian Barker Gardens, we understand that today’s busy lifestyle means you have less time to maintain your home and garden. We also recognise that your garden represents a valuable monetary and personal investment that deserves expert attention and care. From the smallest light well or courtyard through to the grandest property, we are passionate about gardens of all shapes, sizes, styles and maturity. In trusting Ian Barker Gardens with your maintenance, you can be assured that your investment is being nurtured, protected and cared for by the right people. To learn more about garden maintenance services, click here.
