
Many people think they can neglect their garden during winter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Gardens need maintenance and tender loving care no matter the season, and winter is no exception. In fact, the effort you put into your garden during the colder months will pay off come spring and summer when your plants and lawn thrive. The same applies to your lawn—it needs winter care so it can be lush and green during the growing season.
Here are five essential winter garden maintenance tips to help keep your garden in great shape:
1. Take Care of Your Lawn
Winter can compact lawn soil, making it difficult for water to reach the roots and leading to pooling in certain areas. One way to maintain your lawn during winter is to aerate the soil, allowing water to penetrate more easily. For small lawns, you can use a pitchfork, but for larger areas, you might want to hire a lawn aerator or call in a garden maintenance service for the job.
After aerating, you can top dress the lawn with coarse sand or loam to further improve soil health. If you’re still noticing puddles after aeration, use a hose-on wetting agent to break down the soil while protecting the lawn.
Weeds, unfortunately, don’t take a break in winter either, so keep an eye out and pull them after rain when they’re easier to remove by the roots. For persistent weeds like bindis, use a weed wand that targets the weeds without harming the lawn.
Top tip: Avoid over-feeding and fertilising your lawn in winter as growth slows down and the lawn won’t need the extra nutrients.
2. Get Mulching
Mulching in winter is an excellent way to suppress weed growth and improve your soil. If you spot any weeds, remove them after rainfall, as wet soil makes it easier to pull them out by the roots, preventing regrowth.
Winter can also bring out snails and slugs, which can wreak havoc on your plants. A clever trick to eliminate them is to use a shallow tray filled with beer. Snails and slugs are attracted to the yeast in the beer but will drown once inside the tray. Ensure the top of the tray is no more than 10mm above the soil so the pests can easily access it.
Top tip: Opt for organic mulch, which can nourish your garden beds as it breaks down over time.
3. Time to Prune Shrubs and Trees
Winter is the ideal time to prune many trees and shrubs, but timing is key. For ornamental trees and shrubs, August is generally the best month for pruning. Plants that bloom in spring or summer should be pruned after their flowers die, typically in late spring or early summer.
Be mindful not to prune winter or early spring bloomers until after they flower, and remove any dead branches as needed. For roses, July is the perfect time for pruning—don’t wait until August.
Top tip: Research your specific plants before pruning to avoid harming them.
4. Plant a Winter Veggie Garden
Winter is a great time to plant certain vegetables that will be ready to harvest in late winter or early spring. Depending on your climate, consider planting snow peas, broad beans, English spinach, green beans, and peas in temperate areas. In subtropical areas, you can grow a wider variety such as herbs, broccoli, lettuce, onions, radishes, spinach, and more.
Using companion planting is a fantastic way to keep pests at bay without using harmful pesticides. Organic pesticides are also ideal for winter veggie gardens, ensuring your produce is free from chemicals.
Top tip: Choose a spot that gets a decent amount of winter sun as your winter vegetables will still need some warmth to thrive.
5. Add Some Winter Colour to Your Garden
Don’t let your garden go dull during winter! Many plants flower during the colder months and can bring beautiful colour to your garden. Visit a local nursery to find winter-blooming plants, and consider planting them in pots for easy relocation to the sunniest spots in your garden. Make sure to keep them watered and fertilised as needed.
If you don’t already have winter flowering plants, get ready for next year by planting them in early autumn so you can enjoy a colourful winter garden in the future.
Top tip: Get advice from your local nursery on which plants will thrive in your area during winter.
Conclusion
Winter may seem like a quiet time for your garden, but many plants and lawns still need care to stay healthy. By maintaining your lawn, mulching, pruning, and adding winter colour, your garden can continue to thrive even in the cooler months. The time and effort you invest now will ensure a vibrant, healthy garden come spring and summer. Don’t neglect your garden this winter—give it the attention it deserves, and it will reward you in the warmer seasons.
For more gardening tips, quotes or if you need help selling your home in Canberra, contact Agent Team Real Estate today!