Get all the information you need on how to care for your garden this winter and get the best head start on your garden and lawn for the upcoming year!

Throughout the busy period of Christmas and New Year, when weather can be bitter and for us, staying inside beneath a warm fire can seem much more appealing than venturing outdoors, it is often easy for our gardens to be neglected and fall apart.
Yet despite how difficult winter can be, it is crucial to keep up with garden maintenance in order to keep your garden and lawn ticking over during those winter months and to ensure you don’t lose out on all the efforts you put into gardening throughout the year.
With that said, here are our top tips for how to achieve full garden maintenance this winter
 
Lawn Treatment
A stress free way of making sure your lawn will be completely protected over the winter is to get a professional winter treatment applied between months November and February. Companies, such as Greensleeves, can provide affordable lawn care services which will ensure full winter lawn maintenance and make sure all the groundwork is completed for you so you can focus on the rest of your garden.
By applying specialist liquid product to your lawn, Greensleeves will treat your lawns with essential plant nutrients, target moss, and keep all other fungal diseases at bay.
Think of it as a seasonal MOT! You can also follow up with specialist lawn treatments in the next Spring, Summer and Autumn.

 Composting

You may not have thought it, but there are actually many benefits to winter composting. Even though your compost can freeze over which stops decomposition, it is the action of freeze-thaw which will help to break down materials so that they’ll be ready for a faster decomposition in spring. Another benefit is that you’ll minimise your impact on the environment.
In order to maximise success of winter composting, it is important to maximise heat by composting in a covered bin and even insulating it with cardboard to keep the heat in. You can also speed up the composting process by regularly turning the contents of the bin. This can be done by tipping out the bin and refilling it whilst turning the contents so it composts evenly.

3. Plant protection

There are some measures you can take to protect your plants this winter. Half-hardy plants in pots can be protected by covering their pots in bubble wrap or fleece which will help to retain heat. For more sensitive plants, take them inside for the winter providing they can live indoors.
Another method is Mulching, which involves covering the soil’s surface with insulating materials will do a great job protecting other tender plants such as dahlias, and entire beds and borders from the cold weather. Winter or early spring is the best time to do this and many different materials can be used such as bark chippings, leaf mould, and chopped organic wheat straw. By the material creating a barrier between the cold air and the soil, they can protect the root and stem of plants and suppress the growth of weeds. Mulch material can also provide your soils with important nutrients!
 

 Treat wooden fences and doors

Harsh weather conditions in Winter can seriously damage wooden fencing and doors. Use a rainproof wood stain to prevent wooden surfaces from cracking and warping, and protect it from mold mildew and rot.
You can also prevent additional moisture causing further damage to your fencing, by keeping the spaces between your fence clear of debris, leaves and snow.

Small Jobs

Lastly, don’t forget the smaller garden maintenance methods which can really make all the difference!

 

• Look after wildlife by leaving out nuts and seeds for birds to eat, and some loose leaves and twigs for hedgehogs to contribute to their homes. Leave out some fresh water and replace it when it starts to freeze over!
• Prune any fruit trees, shrubs and wisteria plants to prevent or remove disease and damage.
• Avoid walking over the grass as it can be easily damaged during winter. Place a plank down to spread your weight more evenly if you need to access a part of your garden that requires use of your lawn.

So there you have it! The best garden maintenance tips for this winter!

This post was written in  collaboration with Greensleeves, a British lawn treatment service specialising in seasonal treatments, as well as aeration, scarification and overseeding services. For more information on how to keep your lawn thriving this winter, visit Greensleeves at https://www.greensleeves-uk.com/ or call them on 0808 100 1413.
 

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