Gardeners urged to do four crucial jobs before Christmas or face problems
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With the UK in the grasp of winter, gardening enthusiasts might be inclined to down tools, yet experts have flagged four key tasks that need ticking off before Santa comes to town. Prestige Flowers' brand manager Elise Harlock has dished out her best winter garden care advice, stressing that a bit of graft now can lead to a dazzling display later on. "A little effort in winter goes a long way," she urges, pinpointing the vital chores to safeguard and spruce up your green space.
1. Soil preparation. The bedrock of any blooming garden is healthy soil, and Elise champions adding a "generous layer of organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mould," as a top way to pack in nutrients and fend off the cold snap's bite, setting the stage for plants' springtime success.
2. Pruning plants. Trimming is not just about good looks - it’s essential for plant health. "Cut back perennials, roses, and fruit trees to remove dead or diseased wood and shape plants for the new growing season," Elise instructs. Remember, tidy tools equal happy plants, reports the Express. Making sure those secateurs are clean and sharp is in part a cleanliness drive to stop disease spread, making this chore a dual-purpose act of both upkeep and defence.
3. Tool and structure maintenance. Use winter downtime to give your gear and garden get-ups some TLC. A thorough scrub, sharpen, and oiling session for your equipment will ward off the rust, while fixing up any wobbly trellises or broken fences can thwart weather wear-and-tear from taking its toll.
