Maintain tools

Check your garden tools for signs of rust, damage and check for any faults or breakage -  it's worth maintaining your tools to ensure their longevity. Once your tools have been maintained and cleaned they can be organised by use so that they are easily accessible once spring arrives. 

Order seeds and supplies

Possibly the most exciting thing about winter is browsing through seed catalogues/websites and deciding on which seeds you want to order. Surely we're not the only ones who experience joy from a packet of seeds? There are plenty of that can be sown indoors in winter indoors. 

We recommend getting your supply orders in early to avoid the rush and risk of items being out of stock once spring begins and the garden starts growing at an accelerated rate! Here is a list of things to check and order before spring arrives: 

• Compost
  
• Compost Additives
  
• Mulch
  
• Aggregates/stones
  
• Lightweight pots & seed trays
• Plant Supports
  
  

Clean pots and seed trays

Give your pots and seed trays a clean before resuing for another year, this will reduce the risk of past diseases spreading to any new, young plants. Use a cleaning agent designed to kill bacteria in pots, rinse thoroughly and allow pots to dry completely before potting. 

Plan your garden layout and plants for the year ahead

Another really great task to complete when the weather is grey and miserable, explore your garden and work out your crop rotation if planting veggies and map out where you would like to place new plants. Winter is also an excellent time to plan any garden DIY projects such as building raised beds. 

There are plenty of apps and websites to help you map out your garden - if this isn't your thing, get back to the drawing board and quickly sketch the garden layout with a plan of each bed.
 

Get to know your soil

Soil health! What better way to understand your garden than by taking some time getting to know your soil; testing your soil's pH is easy and can be done in just a few minutes with a Soil Test kit. Knowing your soil type will help you to choose plants that compliment your soil. Luckily, there are ways of improving your soil to accommodate the plants you would like to grow that don't suit your current soil type.
 
For more advice on soil click here for our full guide!

Pruning

Pruning is recommended in winter as plants are dormant, pruning is an essential job as it encourages new growth, helps to revive plants and ensures both shrubs and trees aren't outgrowing their space. Pruning also helps to reduce the risk of disease and pests! 

Mulching

Mulching is essential for optimal root and soil health, by applying a layer of mulch it acts as a soil conditioner over time as it decomposes but also helps to suppress weeds, aids with water retention and helps to aerate the soil. Mulching in winter is beneficial for perennial plants as helps with root protection from frost and prevents new weeds growing in spring once the garden starts to wake up.

Top-tips for sowing seeds!

Our top tips for sowing seeds and all of the essentials you need for successful germination and growth!

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Soil Health: Why is soil important?

Whether you are growing veg in your kitchen garden or creating your dream flower beds, one of the most important components when it comes to planting and growing, that's right, is soil. It's packed full of nutrients and minerals that nurture plants and provides everything they need to grow and survive in the world.

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Monthly Gardening Calendar

Take a look at our 12-month calendar and find out which jobs need special attention when you are next in the garden.

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