During the winter months, your garden is subject to various weather conditions including excessive rain, frost, storms and lack of sunshine. These all impact the garden and it will need attention before the gardening tasks of Spring and Summer can begin. No need to sit twiddling your thumbs, now is the time to pop on some wellies and get out to carry out some post-winter gardening jobs to keep you busy and get ready for the arrival of the nicer weather, that we at Emerald Plants feel just might be on the horizon.
Tree and shrub maintenance
Trim back dead or broken branches from trees and shrubs. Pruning promotes growth and health. Slightly angle your cuts to allow access moisture to fall off and not rot the branch. Clear your borders and lawn of dead leaves. Unsightly piles of dead leaves will turn your lawn yellow and block new growth in borders.
Gardening Tools
Oil and sharpen garden tools. For pruning, tools must be sharp so make sure tools are sharpened and oiled before attempting to use them in the garden.
Garden Furniture
Clean and mend patio furniture. The winter weather can take its toll on furniture in the garden, so it is a good idea to check the integrity of any furniture that you intend to use in the warmer months.
Sheds, outbuildings and fence
Repair damage to fences, sheds or outbuildings. High winds and storms are usually the cause of damage to gardens, but repairs can be made before Spring arrives.
Empty the shed. On a dry day, get in the shed and de-clutter. Organise the space in preparation for the busy gardening season ahead. Recycle, gift or mend whatever you can.
Plan your garden
Research new plants. On the rainier and colder days, spend some time online and research into the plants you want to grow this year. You can find plenty of useful information from credible sources online, and helpful tips on making a success of growing plants that you perhaps haven’t tried before. Order seeds and plants online. When you have decided on what you are going to introduce to your garden, you can order seeds and plants online too. What a perfect way to end a day of hard graft in the garden, with your feet up and a well-earned cup of tea.
And, smile
In the glimpse of sunshine and break in the rain, getting out to tidy up and prepare your garden for Spring and Summer will do your health and well-being the world of good too. The arrival of Spring brings new life and a universal feeling of hope. Stepping out into the garden armed with newly sharpened tools to get rid of the old, ready to bring in the new will be a welcome break from the doom and gloom of the news. Jump up off the sofa, get on top of the work to be done in the garden, take a deep breath of fresh air and remember, good times are on their way.