7 things to do in the garden this winter

The winter solstice might not take place until late December, but when the wind starts to bite and the weather is on the cusp of snow, many of us determine that winter has well and truly begun. 

At this point, you might think that it’s time to stop gardening for the winter, but you’d be wrong! There’s still lots to do in the garden, from clearing up the autumn debris, to making the garden ‘cosier’ for Christmas, to prepping for the next season. In fact, here are seven things you can do to make the most of your garden this winter.

1. Make use of the last of the autumn fruit and veg

 

Who doesn’t love fresh apple pie? There are so many autumn fruits and vegetables to enjoy at this time of year, including:

• Apples
• Blackberries
• Figs
• Pears
• Plums
• Broccoli
• Butternut squash
• Pumpkin
• Celeriac

Make the most of them before they’re all gone by collecting them up and using them in your favourite winter dishes. Comfort food, here we come!

2. Redecorate

You might think that spring is the best time to feng shui your garden, but why not do it in winter? It might make you more inclined to spend time in your outdoor patch, so that you don’t waste its potential during the cold season. 

You don’t have to carry out a full overhaul. Instead, try cleaning up and rearranging your furniture, and adding a few finishing touches here and there to make the garden appear more ‘cosy’.

 

 

The Auraglow Set of Two Battery Operated Rope Lights are perfect for adding a warm glow to any area. Wrap the lights around a tree trunk, through a trellis, or round the post of a gazebo for instant light without the need for power cords. 

 

Plus, the timer mode allows for 50 days’ use, six hours per day! These twinkling lights definitely bring the magic for this magical season!

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3. Take cuttings

 

Propagation doesn’t just have to take place in summer. Hardwood cuttings can be taken now to grow in time for next winter! Climbers, fruit, trees and deciduous shrubs are ideal for this purpose.

Make sure to take cuttings from healthy shoots that have grown this year, using clean gardening scissors. Then plant into a well-sheltered trench dug in with some compost.

4. Mulch

 

Before the weather really starts to turn, cover over any bare soil with a layer of mulch to keep the cold from freezing your plants. Try using your own compost to add some nutrients into  the soil while protecting your plants.

5. Plant and protect bulbs

 

Spring bulbs are ideally planted in autumn, ready to burst through the soil in spring! From tulips to daffodils, there are so many colourful plants that you can install now in order to get those beautiful hues come spring. Read more about spring bulbs in my guide here.

6. Repair your lawn

 

Busy summer in the garden? Your lawn might need a little TLC. Repair any damaged areas with new turf or grass seed – just make sure to do so before the weather gets frosty to encourage strong roots.

7. Clean your greenhouse/shed

 

Messy greenhouses and sheds can get extremely chaotic – and you don’t even know it’s happening until you need your trusty trowel in spring and can’t get to it because it’s laying behind 3 years of junk! Rearrange, have a clear-out, and get your gardening space in order for the next season.

Want more tips for gardening in the winter? Read my gardening calendar here.