The garden requires less maintenance in winter which gives Britons a chance to do five key gardening jobs.
An expert has exclusively shared why now is a good time to sow seeds, clean tools, mulch, prune and plan.
These jobs are best done in the winter to prepare the garden for a good display in spring and summer, gardening expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions Luke Dejahang.
Sow seeds indoors
The cold, wet and generally unpredictable weather limits how many outdoor jobs can be done, but gardeners can turn indoors.
Consider pruning in winter
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Luke explained: “Start sowing seeds for vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and leeks, as well as flowers like sweet peas and geraniums.
“You should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the seedling trays on your windowsill where they can receive ample natural light and ventilation next to a window.”
Clean and maintain tools
Winter is also the perfect time to take stock and make sure all your equipment is good to go come spring.
The expert said: “January is the month of preparation and cleanliness, so cleaning garden tools and equipment is a great way to, not only prevent rust, but also ensure they are ready for the months ahead.”
Mulch beds and borders
Mulching is one task best done at the start of the year to protect your outdoor space.
Luke continued: “Add a layer of mulch to your garden beds and borders to protect plants from the cold weather and to improve soil quality.
“Mulching retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, making it an essential gardening task.”
Prune deciduous shrubs
Pruning is another job that doesn’t go on hold in winter, the expert explained. “This is a good time to prune deciduous shrubs to shape them and encourage healthy growth in the spring,” Luke added.
“Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration, which helps to prevent disease.”
Plan, plan, plan
Finally, now is a good time to set your intentions for what you want from your garden in the year ahead. Plan any changes you hope to make and think about what you need to achieve this.
The gardening pro continued: “This time of year is the best time to plan what your garden looks like. You should plan your garden layout, order seeds, and prepare for the upcoming growing season around the corner.
“From considering options such as planting new flowers and plants to creating a little vegetable patch, or following the latest trends in biophilic design, there are a plethora of options to choose from.”
