With summer firmly behind us, it’s time to think about getting gardens and outdoor spaces winter-ready. A bit of prep now can save a lot of work in spring, and help protect everything from plants to patio furniture.
One expert says if your outdoor space is on the smaller side you only need a few key items. Speaking exclusively to the Express.co.uk, Norwegian gardening expert, Didrik Dimmen from Auk, says: “In my experience, starting with a hand trowel and fork is ideal for dividing perennials and planting bulbs, especially in small spaces or containers. For pruning, a sharp pair of secateurs is always invaluable. Making precise cuts helps prepare plants for dormancy through the winter.”
For anyone who struggles with the strength required for some pruning tasks, we’ve found these Votrek garden secateurs from Amazon. They’re designed for those with stiffness or arthritis in their hands. Plus, they’re currently reduced from £25.98 to £18.99.
According to the brand, the Votrek arthritis-friendly secateurs, which come in green, orange and black, have an ergonomic design that reduces the grip force required to cut. The handles are cushioned and shaped for comfort, helping ease strain. The blade is angled to need less effort, so gardeners don’t have to squeeze as hard. They also include a ratchet mechanism, allowing users to make cuts in stages, useful for tougher stems.
One satisfied customer wrote: “The handles are comfortable and easy to squeeze, requiring very little effort compared to standard pruners. The blades are sharp and cut cleanly through stems and small branches without crushing them. They feel sturdy, well-made, and lightweight, making them easy to use for longer gardening sessions.”
Another shopper wrote: “Bought these as my hands don’t have the strength to snip off the pruning anymore and these have allowed me carry on more easily.” A third added that the orange colour of this pair was a draw and “make them stand out so they are easier to see when you put them down, and there is a wrist strap already attached if you need it”.
One reviewer said that while they considered them “decent quality,” they questioned the sharpness for the toughest jobs: “The blade isn’t as sharp as it could be…for heavy-duty jobs, I would suggest sharpening it some more.”
According to Didrik, pruning is one of the most vital tasks a thoughtful gardener can do. He says: “Pruning is essential for keeping plants healthy and encouraging strong growth. It can often be overlooked, but if you prune little and regularly, it can be very low maintenance and make a huge difference.
“Winter is all about tidying and protecting rather than heavy pruning. Start with sharp clean tools and remove anything dead or diseased. It’s important to avoid cutting the top flat and keep the base of the shrub wider so sunlight can reach the lower branches so that you don’t end up with bare, leggy stems.
“Tender plants such as fuchsias, pelargoniums or salvias shouldn’t be pruned too much now as fresh growth can be vulnerable to frost. It’s best to leave them with some top growth for protection and do the harder prune in spring.”
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