Many people think of gardening as a seasonal activity. Once the frost hits, the garden may look dormant, and it’s easy to forget that your gardener is just as vital in the winter months as they are during peak growing season.
Winter Garden Maintenance Tasks:
Pruning and Tree Care: Many plants and trees benefit from a good winter pruning. This is a time to remove dead or diseased branches, which helps prevent pests and ensures healthy growth in spring. It’s also the perfect time to trim back perennials, which can get unruly if left unchecked.
Soil Health and Composting: Winter is a great time to focus on your soil. Your gardener can add compost or mulch to the garden to improve soil structure, which will pay off when planting season arrives. They can also ensure that your garden beds remain weed-free.
Wildlife Care: Winter can be a difficult time for wildlife. A skilled gardener will know how to keep bird feeders stocked, create shelter for small mammals, or provide other forms of sustenance that can help wildlife thrive through the colder months.
Preparing for Spring: Proper winter care sets up your garden for a successful spring. By aerating the soil or preparing garden beds, your gardener can ensure the soil is ready for planting when the weather warms.
The Value of Keeping Your Gardener in Winter:
It’s easy to forget about your garden once the weather cools, but keeping a gardener employed during winter has multiple benefits. First, it helps you maintain a year-round garden that’s visually appealing and ecologically balanced. A healthy garden is one that is tended to regularly, and gardeners play an essential role in preventing problems before they arise.
Additionally, keeping gardeners employed during the off-season helps ensure that they are available for the busy months when everyone else needs them. Many gardeners rely on consistent work throughout the year, and winter can often be a time of financial instability for them. By hiring a gardener during the colder months, you help them remain in business so they can be there for you when you need them most, during the spring and summer.
Let’s go outside!
Article by Laura Bedell-Pearce, garden designer in Reigate and Redhill. Check out our “Garden Makeover Guide”
For more garden inspiration, follow Laura’s Gardens on Facebook @laurasgardensuk and Instagram @laurasgardens.
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