Helping your garden survive through the winter season may seem like a difficult task. If you’re worried that all of the hard work is going to be ruined by the cold weather, take some time in searching for some great products from First Tunnels. These will give your garden the tools it needs to get through even the coldest of months. You need to put some care in too, however. We’ve compiled a winter maintenance checklist to help you.  

Prepare 

You may not really want to be doing too much to your garden throughout winter. It can get so cold that most people want to spend most of their spare time tucked up inside with a hot mug of mulled wine! We don’t blame you, and if this is you, you can get away with minimal gardening throughout winter. However, if this is the course of action you’re hoping to take, you still have to make sure you’ve taken advantage of the autumn. Just to prepare your garden for winter.  

How you do this will really depend on the area you live in and the type of plants and flowers you have in your garden. You should consider: 

• Digging up bulbs and storing them in a cool, dry place. 
• Mulch. 
• Move plants and flowers that cannot survive the cold temperatures. 
• Spend time caring for your lawn. 

If you’ve already prepared your garden for winter, but want to do even more work in your garden, there are many actions you can do to ensure a perfect garden for when the weather warms up.  

Move Snow 

Snow may look very beautiful. But if too much falls, it can quickly block sunlight from reaching your plants. The amount of sunlight that plants get throughout winter is already very short and leaving heavy snow on plants could essentially cause them to have no sunlight at all. Give your plants a gentle shake to knock snow to the ground.  

Tool Shed 

Winter is the best time to get yourself into the tool shed for a clear out. Other times of the year can be the worst for this task because you want to make the most out of the good weather and do your gardening. Also, clearing tool sheds out can be quite laborious. Therefore the last thing you need is to feel sweaty. Take advantage of winter and get your gardening equipment in order.  

Plan and Read  

Gardening is a fine art; even being one week out can result in your beautiful plants dying off if they’re delicate ones. If you’ve done all you can do to prepare and help your garden through winter, but still want to work hard at perfecting it, why not take the time to read up on some plants you’ve always fancied planting? Check which months you should start in, how you grow them, and how to care for the particular plants you’re interested in. Planning in winter for the following seasons will help you have a picture worthy garden.  

Wrap up Your Plants 

Some plants are too big for bringing inside throughout the winter. If you have plants like this, there are various materials you can use to wrap up your plants to help keep them warm throughout the cold months. Think of it as a scarf for plants! Make sure you do this in good time, well before the bitterly cold weather comes in.  

Check for Too Much Water  

Melting snow and winter rain may mean that your garden gets waterlogged easily. Always try to keep an eye out for standing water that may appear as the weather starts to gradually warm up. Ensure your plant pots and garden both have a good drainage system for excess water.  

Don’t Overdo It 

It’s important to follow the points above, but whatever you do, don’t do too much. As long as you’ve protected your delicate plants, you don’t need to do too much else. Many plants have adapted to the harsh British winters; you’ll be surprised at what they can take! 

Looking after your garden throughout winter may seem like an effort, but these months of the year are often just as important as every other month in the year. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that there is nothing you can do to help your plants with the cold weather. With good preparation and a little work throughout winter (that’s what gloves, hats, and scarves are for) you will be able to keep your garden in great shape, whatever the weather.