How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter

As temperatures fall and the days become shorter, a few simple jobs can help protect your garden and prepare it for spring.

Clear fallen leaves

Remove wet leaves from lawns, paths and patios to prevent slippery surfaces and give the grass beneath them more light. Healthy leaves can be added to a compost heap or collected separately to make leaf mould.

Leave a few undisturbed piles beneath hedges or at the back of borders, where they can provide shelter for insects and other wildlife.

Protect tender plants

Move tender plants into a greenhouse, conservatory or sheltered position before severe frost arrives. Containers that cannot be moved can be wrapped with horticultural fleece or insulating material.

Raise pots onto feet to improve drainage and prevent them from sitting in cold, wet compost.

Look after your lawn

Avoid walking on frozen or waterlogged grass, as this can damage the lawn. Continue clearing leaves and debris, but save mowing and feeding for suitable weather.

Check trees and supports

Inspect tree ties, stakes and plant supports before strong winter winds arrive. Ties should be secure without cutting into stems or trunks.

Clean and store your tools

Remove soil from garden tools before storing them somewhere dry. Clean and sharpen blades so everything is ready when spring returns.

A little winter preparation can protect your plants, support garden wildlife and make spring gardening much easier.