9 Tips to See your Garden Through Winter

9 Tips to See your Garden Through Winter

During these chilly winter months there is nothing more pleasurable than being in the garden with the morning sun shining on your back. We don't often associate winter with gardening, but this is a great time to ensure that your garden remains healthy and gets prepared for spring.

1. Clean up: During winter it is important not to forget to keep your garden clean and tidy. Remove dead plants, leaves, weeds, and debris as this will help prevent spread of diseases and may reduce having pests and rodents around your garden. During the cleanup don't trim frost damaged branches off shrubs and bushes as this could expose your plant to further damage; wait until spring when there is no more chance of frost. In addition, now is a good time to enhance the soil by adding compost or organic matter to replenish nutrients.
2. Mulch: Try applying a layer of mulch around your plants to help insulate the soil and regulate the temperature - keeping clear of stems. Mulch helps to retain moisture and suppress weed growth in your beds. Use materials such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips.
3. Protect sensitive plants: Certain plants that are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. Identify these plants and provide them with protection using frost blankets, shade nets or old sheets. If you have potted plants, move them indoors or to a sheltered area. Rule of thumb is to just try and protect sensitive plants from harsh weather conditions.
4. Water wisely: Even though plants require less water during winter, it's important to ensure they have adequate moisture. Make sure you water the garden deeply before the ground freezes to ensure plants have enough hydration, always keeping in mind that if you overwater it might lead to root rot. Always water in the mornings to allow the sun to warm damp soil. Moist soil is known to hold more heat than dry soil.
5. Monitor for pests: A lot of pests may be less active during winter, but there are still many that cause damage. As such always keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, slugs, rodents, and even fungal diseases. If necessary, use organic pest control methods to trap and manage infestations.
6. Plant winter-friendly plants: If you do want to plant, make sure you use winter-friendly plants. Choose plants that can survive the winter and frost; if you are unsure which plants to select please speak to a professional or garden centre. Consider winter vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Alternatively, select ornamental plants that offer winter interest such as shrubs, azaleas, daisies, roses, strelitzias, or plants with colourful berries.
7. Avoid excessive foot traffic: Winter gardens are susceptible to damage from walking or heavy machinery. With the cooler weather you may find children spend a lot more time in the garden, just monitor grassy areas for signs of damage.  
8. Maintain garden tools: Make time to clean and organize your garden tools during winter months by removing dirt, rust, debris and oil so they are in good condition for the next season. This is also a good time to clean out your garden shed, garage or storeroom - just watch for animals that hibernate.
9. Plan for the Spring: Make use of the winter season of downtime to research and plan for the upcoming gardening season. Go through websites, read gardening books, sketch out garden designs and make a list of seeds or plants you want to grow, therefore helping you hit the ground running when spring arrives.

By following and implementing these tips you can keep your garden thriving during winter and set the stage for a successful gardening season ahead.

Author: Thato Matsheka