The National Trust has listed a number of important jobs to do during the chillier months, from caring for birds to planning ahead now for the new season next year
Keen gardeners have been urged to carry out a handful of tasks now that winter is here.
It’s easy to think that there might not be as much to do during the colder days ahead but in reality there are lots of jobs you can still be getting on with. The National Trust has shared a few considerations that you should be thinking about over the next few months.
These range from caring for garden birds and insects to looking ahead to when next spring finally brings in the warmer days. Other tips include pruning certain plants before they start to re-leaf – a job that TV gardener David Domoney once said may sound ‘daunting’ but is not as difficult as it sounds.
“The main thing to remember is to be bold when cutting down the stems. Because this will send signals to the plant to send out lots of new growth in the spring. It’s called rejuvenating pruning,” he noted on his blog. Below are the four tasks The National Trust recommends doing in your garden this winter:
Pruning roses
Most types of roses should be pruned in January or February, before the leaves start to emerge. Modern roses can be cut back hard while the older types should be pruned more gently. Always remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems.
Planting and pruning fruit trees and bushes
Bare root trees and bushes can be bought and planted between November and March. Just make sure you don’t plant when the soil is frozen and they should establish well. Prune apple and pear trees, gooseberries and currant bushes too.
Leave your perennials alone
Don’t be tempted to be too tidy. Leaving the dry leaves and stems on your herbaceous perennials will provide a place for many insects to overwinter. Dry seedheads can also be good for birds and small mammals, plus they glow in the winter sun.
Turn your compost
Grab the garden fork and turn your compost as this makes sure it breaks down well and is ready to use when you need it. If you have space for a new bin or pile, you can turn your compost into it and leave it to breakdown while you refill the empty one – but remember to check heaps for overwintering hedgehogs and other creatures first.
