Winter cannot often be described as a beautiful season. It is actually a season characterised by dull, dead and dry lawns and gardens, which is often the reason why most people feel a bit depressed and melancholic during this time. We often take the lavish beauty of our spring and summer gardens for granted and the constant cold weather doesn’t help much either. Another problem is that we often struggle so much to rectify our gardens after a cold, frosty winter, that it is almost winter again by the time we have accomplished our gardening goals.
But this does not have to be the case. You can already start preparing your garden for spring during winter time and also turn your garden into an eye catcher – you just need to give it some thought and start at the basics. Here are a few tips to help you with your gardening issues this winter.
Clean up!
Start your clean-up by removing weeds and spent annuals from your beds. According to JJ van Rensburg, a horticulturist at Garden World, roses and fruit trees must be pruned during winter time to ensure good produce in spring and summer. “Keep in mind that most plants don’t bear fruit or flowers on old wood, so you need to encourage that new growth. A good dose of 3:1:5 at the end of winter will ensure a good yield. Hydrangeas can now be pruned and mulched with an acid compost”
Note: Mulching during winter protects plants from drastic temperature changes in the soil, insulating plants against extreme cold, and also prevents soil erosion. Do not mulch too early, though, as it may encourage disease and pests. It is best to wait until after the first frost when the ground starts to freeze.
Get planting!
Yes, there are actually quite a few plants that can be planted during winter time. JJ says: “Now is the time to plant all your winter and spring favourites. Lilies, Tulips, Poppies, Pansies, primulas are but a few to mention”.
Note: It is also a good time to plant some annual vegetables. Winter-grown vegetables tend to taste sweeter, too. Vegetables that thrive during winter are:
• Carrots
• Peas
• Radishes
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Chinese cabbage
• Leeks
• Lettuce
Tip: Because not all areas are suitable for all kinds of plant or vegetables it is a good idea to keep a record of what you planted and when, and what succeeded or failed to help you do better in the future.
Like your lawn!
JJ advises that: “If you’d like to keep your lawn beautiful during winter, you need to water it in the early morning to wash the frost away. Feed your lawn with 3:2:1 SR and water well after feeding.”
Tip: Clear your lawn of any debris like logs, toys, or gardening equipment. These objects can harm your lawn if it is left in one position for days to come. It also makes your lawn more vulnerable to diseases.
Cover it up!
“Cold sensitive plants such as tree ferns and cycads can be covered with hessian or frost cover for winter. Frost cover is lighter and can be left on during the days where as hessian must be lifted during the day and replaced at night. If you can mulch the soil around your plants root systems you will keep the roots protected against the winter cold,” says JJ.
Use fallen leaves to your advantage!
According to JJ, fallen leaves can be extremely effective used as mulch. “Don’t just dispose of them – clean and tidy areas you can see, and chuck the extras amongst trees and larger shrubs. It will decompose over winter and earthworms will do the rest. If you don’t have an area to mulch, why not start a compost heap. It must be in the shade, watered and turned weekly and can save you hundreds of rands every year.
Tip: JJ says: “Winter is the best time to compost the entire garden. An inch or two spread and dug into the beds will have a huge positive effect on the plants and will ensure ample new growth in spring.”
Be aware of pests!
“Keep an eye out for Italian Aphids on conifers. It is easier to see the effects of the aphids with a sticky ring around the base of the plants, than the aphid itself. Insecticide granules or Merit can be used to treat the infected plants,” says JJ.
Maintain your gardening tools!
Once the cleaning and cutting is done for the season, it’s time to give some love and care to your tools. Clean, oil, and sharpen your tools, then store them in a dry place for the winter. Drain garden hoses and store them coiled in a sheltered place where they won’t freeze and crack. It’s a little extra work, but you will be happy when spring comes and you have neat and clean tools that are ready to do the job at hand without any problems!
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