Whilst most people have understandably shelved the gardening for the festive period, green-fingered readers will know that winter offers an excellent opportunity to prep for a beautiful spring garden.
Steven Walley, a seasoned garden landscaper and paving specialist from London Stone, says that there’s plenty on the gardener’s to-do list during the cold months, even if it doesn’t involve sowing seeds.
He explains: “During winter, many trees are without their leaves, so it can be easier to view your garden layout and make decisions on where you would like to open up more space or perhaps where you’d like to create more privacy.”
Furthermore, he advises that any transplanting of trees or shrubs is best undertaken now: “If you decide to move any trees or shrubs, then it’s best to carry out this work during the colder months because they’ll be dormant, which means you’ll disturb the roots less”.
Making alterations in an off-season garden is far simpler than when it’s fully blooming in the spring and summer, so now is a prime time for garden structure enhancements such as new walkways, steps, terraces, or planting areas, reports the Express.
Walley cautions: “Patio installation involves a lot of planning, so making a start in winter will help you get a finished look ready for the warmer months.”
The specialist elaborated: “Once you’ve planned the new layout of your garden, understanding the soil quality in the areas you want to plant new seeds is vital if you’re looking to grow healthy plants that come back year after year.
“Test the acidity of the soil to determine whether it is suitable for the plant you want to grow. Over time, the quality of your soil can fall as the repeated growing cycles of plants can leave it drained of nutrients and even change the soil’s pH, making it more acidic or alkaline.”
Additionally, enriching the soil with compost, manure, or grass clippings is crucial for its improvement over time and will provide a healthy base for your beautiful garden, come springtime.