Essential Winter Garden Care For The Season
Winter has officially arrived in the North West. While your garden may look like it’s sleeping, there is still plenty of work to be done beneath the surface. The effort you put in now lays the foundation for a thriving landscape come spring.
When the first cold sets occur, it’s a clear signal to begin essential winter garden care tasks to protect your plants and prepare for the colder months ahead.
At Green Acorn Landscape Design, we understand the value of year-round care. As award-winning garden designers, we know that a successful summer garden starts in the depths of winter.
From protecting your soil to planning your next big renovation, here are our top tips for winter garden care this season.
1) Seasonal Clear-Ups and Tidying
Maintenance is an ongoing commitment, even when the temperature drops. Keeping your garden tidy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial step in protecting the long-term health of your landscape.
Removing fallen leaves and decaying plant matter from your hard landscaping, such as your paving, resin driveways, and decking, prevents rot, mould, and staining. It keeps your surfaces safe and slip-free while ensuring they look their best all year round.
However, when doing this winter garden care task, you don’t need to scrub every corner clean. Consider leaving small piles of leaves or logs in a designated corner of the garden. These provide essential winter habitats for local wildlife like hedgehogs and insects, allowing you to support the environment without compromising your garden’s design.
2) Pruning and Training
Pruning is an essential part of your winter garden care, as it can help establish the foundation for successful growth in other seasons. Winter, when many plants remain dormant, is the ideal time to implement winter pruning for fruit trees, woody plants, and shrubs.
During winter garden care, focus on eliminating dead, damaged, or diseased branches and leaves to prevent disease and encourage robust new growth during spring emergence.
When pruning, it is essential to utilise clean, sharp tools and dispose of any diseased wood to prevent contamination of healthy plant specimens.
Through strategic pruning, your trees and shrubs will be optimally prepared for growth when spring comes back around.
If pruning is difficult or something you are not interested in doing, you can reduce the need for this task with low-maintenance plants. See our post Easy-Care Plants For Low-Maintenance Gardens to learn more.
3) Mulching and Soil Protection
One of the most effective ways to care for your landscape during winter is to mulch. Whether you use organic compost, wood chips, or leaf mould, adding a protective layer over your soil helps lock in moisture and regulate ground temperature.
As the frost sets in, this extra layer acts like a blanket for your plant roots, offering insulation against freezing temperatures.
We recommend applying mulch across flower beds, borders, and around the base of shrubs to provide nutrient support and protection throughout the colder months.
4) Moisture Management Before the Freeze
Freezing temperatures can make watering your garden this season tricky, but your plants still need hydration. The secret is timing.
Moist soil holds warmth better than dry soil, so we recommend giving your garden a deep watering before a predicted freeze. This helps insulate plant roots and prevents damage.
This winter garden care technique is especially vital for evergreens, newly planted shrubs, and plants in containers, which are more susceptible to drying out in cold winds.
Once the ground freezes, reduce watering, but keep a close eye on your pots and sheltered plants to ensure they aren’t suffering from drought stress.
5) Protecting Tender Plants
While hardy native plants can handle the winter, tender species need a little extra help. As part of your winter garden care, take stock of your delicate plants.
If you have potted plants, move them to a sheltered spot, such as against a house wall or into a greenhouse, to protect them from harsh winds and frost. For plants that can’t be moved, consider using horticultural fleece or cloches to keep them warm.
Wrapping the trunks of young trees with burlap can also prevent frost cracks and protect them from gnawing animals during the scarce winter months.
Spring Preparation and Garden Planning: How To Use Winter Wisely
Winter offers a slower pace, making it the perfect time to dream big for your outdoor space. While some winter garden care tasks are needed throughout the season, you may find yourself with more free time than normal. You can use this time to reflect on your current garden design and plan for the future.
During this planning, ask yourself what worked well this year, and what you would like to change. For inspiration regarding your new garden, see our 5 Stunning Landscaping Ideas for Warrington Homes.
If you are considering a complete transformation, winter is the ideal time to start the conversation with professional garden designers. Planning now ensures your design is ready to go as soon as the weather warms up. To get your garden design project off on the right foot, see our post How to Plan Your Garden Design: A Step-by-Step Guide.
You can also use this downtime to check your garden structures. Assess your fencing, decking, and paving for any winter damage, and determine what investments need to be made ahead of the new year. Repairing these elements now ensures your garden is safe, secure, and ready for entertaining when the sun returns.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t mean your garden goals have to hibernate. There are various winter garden care tasks, such as pruning, mulching, and design planning, that can be done this season to ensure the success of your garden next year.
Now is also the ideal time to contact landscaping companies, like ours. Whether you need advice on winter care or want to discuss a complete garden redesign for the new year, our team at Green Acorn Landscape Design is here to help.
Contact Us Today
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my garden during winter?
We recommend a quick check-up every few weeks. Look for signs of wind damage, check that plant covers are secure, and ensure your paving remains clear of slippery, wet leaves.
Which plants need extra protection in winter?
Tender perennials, tropical plants, and anything in a container are most at risk during the winter. Young shrubs and trees with thin bark may also need wrapping to protect them from frost and pests.
Can I plan a new garden design in winter?
Absolutely! Winter is actually a great time to plan your new outdoor space, as it allows us to perfect the design, secure materials, and schedule the build so your new garden is ready to enjoy by spring and summer.