I’m a gardening expert, these are the vital jobs you must do now to prep for winter
MANY people leave their garden alone once the summer months drift away and cold weather is ushered in.
But it’s actually bad to let plants sit untreated once the sun disappears and autumn and winter take hold.
It’s important to take advantage of the time before the ground frosts over and it becomes too difficult for anything to grow.
Thankfully, experts at Home Interiors Scotland, working with The Mains of Drum Garden Centre, offer some top tips on how to prepare your garden for a fruitful winter.
They explain how plants such as Skimmia, Hellebore, Pansy and Viola can extend the period of flowering.
While berries produced by Gaultheria and Pernettya make excellent winter display companions.
The info details how October is also a great month to plant a tree or shrub as there is still a warmth in the soil for roots and the need for watering is reduced as they approach the dormant period.
One bit of advice reads: “Plant your bulbs now for flowering early next spring. This will lift spirits after what can feel like a long dark winter with a riot of colour from Crocus, Iris and Winter Aconites.”
Another tip is making sure the soil is not frozen or waterlogged before digging and finding easy ways to protect your plants.
One suggestion is a thick mulching of bark or leaf mould around the base, while more delicate ones like citrus trees need extra protection from a greenhouse.
Also make sure all pots are raised onto pot feet unless sitting on gravel to allow drainage as otherwise they could rot and crack.
Other bits of advice include outside taps being switched off or made winter-proof with a tap cover during frosty weather.
Water butts should also be emptied and cleaned and tools should be sharpened and cleaned in preparation for winter and spring pruning.
While trees and shrubs are best pruned while dormant over the cold winter period.
And bush and climbing roses should be cut back to prevent wind rock damage and encourage strong, fresh growth in spring.