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If you are someone who looks after their garden, you'll know it can be tricky in the winter. Lots of plants don't like the cold, and if you're not careful, you can end up with soil erosion and disease infestations come the spring. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can follow to help keep your garden healthy all year-round. Learn about them by clicking through the gallery.
Despite the fact they have the word 'house' in the name, many people like to keep their houseplants outside. Indeed, they look great everywhere, porches included.
If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius), you will definitely need to bring houseplants inside.
After all, lots of houseplants are averse to the cold and will start to lose leaves or develop burn-like edges if left out in temperatures that are too brisk.
Before winter arrives, it is a good idea to remove any weeds or diseased plants from your garden. As usual, this is beneficial for its overall health.
However, it is also a good idea to leave some debris and dead plant matter behind. These materials have a number of benefits for your garden's ecosystem.
On the one hand, plant debris can prevent soil erosion by acting as a natural mulch. On the other hand, it can give shelter or food to wildlife, such as birds or beneficial insects.
If you do decide to plant during the winter, it is best to go for a cover crop. These have the most benefits when it comes to preparing the ground for spring.
Examples of cover crops include crimson clover and hairy vetch. These serve to increase nitrogen, while also adding organic matter to the soil.
There are also certain grasses you could consider planting that would be able to withstand cold temperatures and would help to improve compacted soil.
Adding mulch to your plants is an important part of winter garden prep. It is mulch that protects the roots of your plants during cold weather.
Try distributing organic material, such as fallen leaves, in a thin layer around plants and then covering with a more traditional mulch for a more finished look.
When mulching around trees, which helps to insulate them and encourages them to retain water, remember to leave some space between the bases of your plants.
If you want to protect your tender annual plants during winter, the best thing to do is bring them inside and cover them with burlap or frost cloth.
Bear in mind that tender annuals are very sensitive to the cold, and there is no huge risk in letting them die in the winter, since they are generally intended for annual planting.
However, if you do decide to let your tender annuals die, be sure to collect some seeds and cuttings first, so that you can use them in the spring.
If you have roses in your garden, you can protect them by adding a two or three inch layer of mulch, leaves, or pine around the base of the plant.
You could also consider wrapping your roses in burlap to prevent them from drying out. Of course, this must be removed come spring time.
If you have roses in a container, it is best to bring these inside after the first few frosts. Store them in a cool, dark area and check regularly that they are not drying out.
There are certain tender bulbs that cannot survive in the cold weather, so they must be dug up and stored inside throughout the winter.
Dig your tender bulbs out of the soil using a four-tine flat pitchfork and pack them in crumpled newspaper before storing in a cool, dark place.
Be sure to check on the bulbs at least once per fortnight to make sure there is no fungus or mold growing on them.
If you have any plants or bushes that were planted recently or are not good at withstanding the cold, it may be a good idea to wrap them in burlap.
Furthermore, any plants that are placed near a road or walkway that is treated with salt should be covered with a protective shield.
Finally, if the ground is not frozen and you live in a region that experiences dry spells in the winter, do not forget to water your evergreens periodically.
If you are a keen gardener, you will know how important it is to clean your tools after every use. However, just before winter is a particularly important time to do it.
Before temperatures drop, take some time to show your tools some extra care. Make sure everything is sharp and disinfected for the spring.
If possible, it is a good idea to do a full inventory. Go through everything you have and make a note of anything that needs upgrading or replacing.
Last but not least, it is a good idea to empty your garden hose and store it inside during the winter. Cold weather is not usually a hose's friend.
If water is left in the hose over winter, it will gather in the lowest part and is likely to freeze. This can expand the hard plastic and ultimately crack the hose.
Winter sun can be equally damaging to a hose. The degradation it causes can mean the hose starts to crack, and after a season or two you will start to see holes.
Sources: (Martha Stewart)
See also: A stroll through the world's most beautiful gardens
How to prepare your garden for winter
Weatherproof your outdoor space
LIFESTYLE Gardening
If you are someone who looks after their garden, you'll know it can be tricky in the winter. Lots of plants don't like the cold, and if you're not careful, you can end up with soil erosion and disease infestations come the spring. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can follow to help keep your garden healthy all year-round. Learn about them by clicking through the gallery.