Protect Your Plants This Winter
Protecting your plants as winter approaches will ensure all of the hard work you put in over the year does not go to waste. Here are a few ideas of what to do
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Timing Your Fertilising
Late into the growing season don't put nitrogen-rich fertilisers onto your plants. This will make sure you don't have any new growth that can be easily damaged in the winter.
Mulching
Mulching and good soil cover will help prevent soil erosion from heavy rains over the winter. Heavy rain can leach the nutrients out of the soil. Use a green manure, like mustard, which will decrease the effect of this leaching.
Move Your Containers
Move any delicate plants that are in containers to a more sheltered spot and group them together to increase protection.
Wrapping
Wrap up plants for the winter in horticultural fleece and wrap potted plants in bubble wrap or straw to keep them warm.
Fencing
Make sure all of your fences are in good order and consider replacing solid fencing with one that lets through about half of the wind. These fences are less likely to blow down and damage your plants.
Animal Damage
Protect tree bark from rodents as food becomes scarce over winter by keeping mulch away from the base of trees. Put up a guard on the tree base if you are really concerned.
Drainage
Dealing with soil drainage problems will reduce the chances of your young trees and shrubs being uprooted by the wind.
Long Term Planting
Consider the winter weather when planning your planting and fencing. Plant wind breaks like hedges and use sheltered spots for the more delicate plants.
It is always worth the extra bit of work in the autumn to protect your garden for the winter.
