Gardeners have been advised of the simple measure they can take to protect their gardens this winter. As the weather turns cold and wet, it is easy for gardens to fall into disrepair, piling up corrective work to be done in the spring.
But as the old saying goes, prevention is cheaper than the cure and simple steps taken this winter could save hours of work once the weather changes. The National Trust has a range of advice to help even the most novice gardeners maintain their lawns and plants in top condition. For those looking to protect plants, using simple materials to cover them up through the cold could make a huge difference.
It advises: “Move tender plants in pots to a sheltered place or cover them with fleece, hessian or straw.
“Keeping the roots dry will significantly improve these plants’ chances of survival through winter.”
Straw is useful in gardens for mulching, the process by which gardeners apply a layer of material, called mulch, to the soil’s surface to improve plant growth and soil health.
This, in turn, helps to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and keep fruits clean.
The advice is one of several simple hacks advised by the Trust to maintain plant and overall garden health this winter.
They added: “If the weather is bad outside, you could head indoors and start preparing your garden for spring.
“Some key things to consider include layout, plant choices, spaces for composting, water collection, storage and wildlife. You can stay on top of key timings by starting a diary.
“Late winter is also a good time for propagating perennials if you didn’t get a chance during the autumn.”
Similar simple techniques could also have big benefits for your lawn, with experts agreeing that December is the perfect time to prepare it for the months ahead.
Removing leaves that are still sitting on the grass can prevent them from blocking out light and moisture, both of which are essential for healthy growth, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The society recommends raking them up gently to avoid damaging the grass underneath. This also helps reduce moss and fungal diseases.
They also advise continuing to mow your lawn if temperatures are mild, ensuring that you raise the height of your lawn mower as well as repairing any bare patches or edges now while the ground is softer.
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