Winter is just around the corner, which means you need to plan some key work in the garden. Find out what needs to be done before the onset of frost.
Take care of maintenance
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to take care of the supports and any racks. You can pull off dead vines, dead stems and dry leaves from them. Also remove any dirt from wooden elements in the garden and, if necessary, protect them with waterproofing. If you have the option, it’s best to store them in the winter in dry areas. Also check the condition of the gazebos, greenhouses and sheds themselves. Find out if they need repainting with maintenance products. If necessary, fill in the defects and catch emergency crossbars. You need to be sure that the structures will be sturdy enough to withstand winter storms. Also pay attention to the condition of fences. In addition, carry out maintenance on your gardening equipment. Before storing it for the winter, remove plant and soil debris from it, and wipe it with disinfectant liquid. When necessary, carry out lubrication. Store cleaned tools in a place free from moisture.
Clean the substrate
It is a good idea to remove dead leaves and weeds from the beds. You can also spread some compost to the plants before winter. At the same time, don’t forget to remove any disturbed and frail vegetables and fruits from the garden, which could become a breeding ground for pests over time. Also take care to clean up the lawn. Pick up twigs, leaves and dead plants from it, and if they are disease-free, put them in the compost pile.
Watch out for infections
Examine your trees and shrubs for rotting spots. These may herald the need for treatment. Trim infected shoots, and collect infected leaves and dispose of them in a container. Spray infested plants with fungicides before the onset of frost.
Prepare the pond
Remove dead leaves and plants from your water bodies. Also gather overgrown specimens to leave about 90% of the water surface clear. Watch out for rush plants, however, as they can shelter animals. In addition, move hoses, pumps and water features indoors to keep them from freezing. Also, don’t forget to make regular ice breaks. You can also install a Styrofoam or plastic ring to prevent the pond from freezing completely.
Cover your plants
Young plants will be particularly vulnerable to low temperatures. Some shoots need covering with, for example, sawdust or bark, which will ensure their survival in the demanding conditions. Don’t use overly absorbent materials for this, however, as they can block water on the surface and impede its flow to the roots. It is important to cover warm-loving shrubs with straw, leaves, agro-textile or conifer branches before the onset of winter. You can also mound roses and carry out bedding of magnolias and rhododendrons, among others.
main photo: unsplash.com/Waldemar Brandt
