Winter garden maintenance checklist

Every plant lover knows that if you want to keep your garden healthy, year-round maintenance is key. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your garden during winter. The effort you put into your garden during the colder months will be worth it when spring comes around. Keep reading to find out what exactly needs to be done in your garden now for it to thrive during spring.

Move pot plants

Make some space for your potted plants indoors or move them to a different location on your patio, where it’s warmer and they can soak up some winter sun.

Plant a winter vegetable garden

Peas, beans, spinach, lettuce and potatoes are great choices for the winter season. When planting the winter veggies, ensure you put a thick layer of mulch around your vegetable crops to protect them from the cold. Just find a sunny spot, so the veggies can grow and thrive.

Add colour to your garden

Australia is home to many beautiful winter-blooming flowers like pansies, fuchsias, polyanthuses, jasmine flowers and more. It’s best to buy plants that are already flowering and plant them carefully. Don’t forget to water & fertilise them regularly.

Take care of your lawn

If your garden is feeling dry and compact, you can maintain your lawn by aerating the soil, so water can reach the roots. You can use a regular garden fork if you have a small garden or a powered aerator for larger yards. You can also add a layer of coarse sand or loam to improve drainage.

Prune shrubs & trees

Don’t prune shrubs and trees too early, August is usually a good month for it. Don’t wait as long to trim other plants like roses: they should be pruned as soon as they are no longer in bloom (usually in July). Pruning your plants will help them resist pests and stay healthy.

Even though the cold temperatures can be a great excuse to stay inside, you should prepare your garden for winter to ensure it stays healthy.

So, grab your tools and put on your gloves to give your garden a bit of a winter makeover. If you haven’t gardened before, a good way to get into it is by reading garden magazines or joining community gardening groups. Then set yourself up with the right tools and get gardening!