How to prepare for the cold
With the temperatures dropping across the UK, we’ve asked our experts for some useful tips to help prepare your garden for the frost weather ahead!
Plants
It’s common knowledge that not all plants can handle the frosts, so you’ll want to protect them in advance. Simply placing some Garden Fleece or hessian over the plants the previous night can save them from harm. You can also add mulch to your garden beds to protect the roots. If there are any plants that do not like cold weather, bring them indoors for the winter to ensure they survive.
Taps
It’s easy to forget, but outdoor taps will need covering to prevent any cracked pipes from the ice. A spare towel wrapped around the tap should do the trick, but you can buy specially designed covers that can also be placed over and secured. Either way, it’s a small price to avoid any nasty surprises!
Pruning
Not all species respond well, but plants such as Dogwood, Acers, Willow and Hazel like to be pruned in the winter months. Do some research and check whether any of your plants would benefit from a little chop on a chilly day.
Wildlife
Let’s not forget the wonderful wildlife that visits your garden throughout the year. Fat blocks, seeds and nuts will help the birdlife to survive a cold winter. Food sources become more scarce during the cold months, there’s no doubt that little feathered friends will appreciate some feeding! Melting ice on ponds and birdbaths is also a really helpful way to aid the wildlife as it can be difficult for any animal to find a drink when everything is frozen! Ladybirds and other insects would also benefit from bug houses and sheltered areas to make it through the winter, this includes herbaceous and hollow-stemmed plants that they might make turn into their homes. Finally, don’t forget that hedgehogs, mice and other little creatures might be hiding in any bonfire piles that you have prepared and toads, frogs and other animals might like to hide in your compost heap! Remember to always check first!
Now, isn’t it time for a cup of tea to warm up?
