For many of us, autumn is a busy time. You might be starting to prepare for the holidays or be particularly busy at work. But, it’s also the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for winter. Take the time to make a few changes now, while the weather is still mild and nothing has been damaged by frost, and your garden will be ready to flourish next spring.
Prepare Your Lawn
You might think that you can give your lawn a final mow in the next few weeks, and then leave it alone. While your grass won’t actively grow during the winter, if you want it to be in good condition, and able to grow strong and healthy when spring arrives, you need to look after it now. Read this guide to winterize lawn, to ensure your lawn is lush when the warmer weather returns. But, start by giving it a good tidy, removing any weeds and then looking at aeration, fertilization and bug protection.
Tidy Up
In the summer, you might enjoy your garden. Most of us try to spend as much time outdoors as we can, which might mean that garden furniture, toys and other tools are left out. In the winter, leaving things out is a mistake. Wet weather can mean that your toys and furniture rust and harsh winds can mean that they get blown about, and could become damaged or cause damage to your home. Give your garden an excellent tidy now to protect it in the months to come.
Take Care of Your Perennials
Some of your hardier plants might be fine where they are. Other perennials, won’t necessarily die, and should flower again next year, but might need some protection. You might want to move these out of borders and into pots and place them in a sheltered area of your garden, where they can avoid frost and wind.
Get Weatherproofing
Wooden garden furniture, decking and fences can all survive winter weather as long as they are weatherproofed. Most things will just need a coat of weatherproof paint or varnish to give them a little extra protection and stop water from getting in.
Plan Your Planting Schedule
It might seem like planting new bulbs and flowers is a million miles away. But, if you want bulbs like daffodils to flower in early spring, it’s already time to think about getting them into the ground. Think about how you want your garden to look next year, and what you’d like to plant and do some research to help you to plan out your planting schedule.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Autumn is the best time to prune large shrubs and trees when there are fewer leaves and flowers. If you can, prune yourself from the sides and top, taking away as much as you like. If you can’t reach, hire help so that you don’t hurt yourself.
Enjoy Some Winter Colors
Winter doesn’t have to mean that your garden is grey and dull. Add some flowers and greens that do well in winter weather, and add some fun pots and planters to maximize color.
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