In the last month of the year, there is plenty to do for garden owners. Here’s a checklist to ensure your garden survives the winter and gives everything that grows and blooms a good start in the spring.
-
Plant the last spring bulbs.
-
Prune trees and shrubs into shape, but leave spring bloomers alone. With birch, hornbeam, maple, and walnut, it’s better to wait to prune until they are in leaf again, as the sap flow in these trees starts after the shortest day. And never prune during frost.
-
Plant or transplant trees, shrubs, and roses as long as it’s not freezing.
-
Bring potted plants indoors. A chilly yet frost-free spot in the shed or garage is ideal for overwintering.
-
Rake the last autumn leaves off the lawn and use them as mulch around border plants. But oak leaves belong in the green bin since they contain tannin that acidifies the soil.
-
Get your lawnmower checked and sharpen the blades if necessary.
-
Drain the outside tap.
-
Empty the garden hose and roll it up.
-
Help the birds with a feeder or fat balls and a bird bath.
-
Give fruit trees and roses some lime.
-
Spread lime on the lawn to prevent moss growth and improve soil structure. Choose a windless, rainy day for this.
-
Clean terraces and garden paths. Otherwise, they’re even slipperier in rain or frost. In case of slipperiness, spread sharp sand on the tiles, but don’t use salt since it can harm garden life.
-
Turn over heavy clay soil to make the ground airy and prevent it from compacting in rain or frost.
- In the vegetable garden, you can plant rhubarb.
- Now, you can sow herbs and spinach under glass or in a container on the windowsill.
- Add colour to your terrace with winter pansies and cyclamens, which can withstand winter weather.
- Cut away damaged, crossing, and upright branches from fruit trees and give them some lime.
- Check your garden tools if you haven’t already. Clean them, sharpen them if necessary, and oil moving parts.
- Store your garden furniture clean so you can bring them out on the first nice spring day. Read more about garden furniture maintenance here.
- Tie up vulnerable plants to protect them from storms and heavy snowfall.
- If you install terrace heating now, you can enjoy the outdoors even on a beautiful winter day.
- Prevent the pond from freezing over. Planting reeds can help, but during severe frost, you will need to keep a hole open.
- Cover strawberry plants in the vegetable garden with foil or fleece.
- Large tasks, like installing a fence or laying a terrace, are best tackled now while the garden is in hibernation.
- Cut holly berry branches for Christmas decorations before the birds take the berries.
- Turn the compost heap again and cover it with an old carpet or plastic bags filled with straw. This prevents it from cooling down too much and allows worms to continue their work even in winter.
- Don’t be too tidy. Leave cut branches and withered plant remains. They provide shelter and food sources for smaller animals, helping them to overwinter.
- Treat hardwood fences and decks with wood oil to protect them against rain and frost.
- Decorate trees and shrubs with lights to get into the Christmas spirit early.
- And finally, critically review your garden, discuss with your family what can be improved, and make a garden plan for your ideal outdoor living in the coming garden season. The beautiful winter days are well suited for the major preparatory work so you can start planting immediately in the spring.
