As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, it’s time to start tucking your garden up for winter. I always think of it as “putting the garden to bed” — a gentle tidy-up and a bit of care to help everything rest and stay healthy until spring.

A Gentle Tidy-Up

Now’s not the moment for heavy pruning — we don’t want to encourage new growth that could get nipped by frost. Instead, give your garden a light spruce. Remove dead leaves, clear away fallen debris, and check that your plants are stable against the wind.

Wind rock can loosen roots, especially on newer plants, so firm the soil and add stakes where needed. A few minutes now can save you a lot of trouble later in the season.

Feed, Protect & Tuck Them In

Even though growth has slowed, your plants still appreciate a little feed before they sleep. Add some fresh compost or mulch around the base to keep roots warm and happy.

Tender plants — like tree ferns, cordylines, or anything a little exotic — may need a cosy fleece wrap or a move indoors to a conservatory or sheltered spot. Remember, we hold back on major pruning this time of year to prevent frost damage on freshly cut stems.

Choosing the Right Pots

It’s not always the plant that struggles through winter — sometimes it’s the pot it’s in!

Terracotta pots look beautiful and hold warmth from the sun, which Mediterranean plants love. But because they’re porous, they soak up water — and when that water freezes, the pot can crack and the roots can get damaged. If you use terracotta, move them somewhere sheltered or raise them slightly off the ground to help with drainage.

Glazed pots are a great all-round choice. They don’t absorb water like terracotta, so they’re less likely to crack in frost. Frost-proof glazed pots are especially good for year-round outdoor use — they protect roots from excess moisture while still offering some insulation against the cold.

Plastic pots are practical and affordable, but they don’t breathe or insulate well. They can trap water, which might lead to root rot if your compost stays too wet.

If you’ve had plants that just don’t seem to make it through winter, it’s worth checking what they’re planted in — sometimes changing the pot makes all the difference!

Don’t Forget Your Tools

It’s not just plants that need care this time of year. Before you pack your tools away, give them a good clean with warm soapy water, dry them, and oil any wooden handles or metal parts to prevent rust.

I like using natural oils — olive or coconut work beautifully. A quick sharpen and a tidy-up now will save you time later, and it helps prevent spreading disease when you start pruning in spring.

A Final Sweep

Lastly, take a little time for general garden hygiene — sweep paths, clean under pots, and pop down a patio cleaner if needed. Moving pots aside for a quick clean helps prevent mould and keeps everything looking fresh through the winter.

In a Nutshell

Winter prep doesn’t need to be a big job — just a thoughtful tidy-up, a few checks, and a bit of protection for your plants (and your tools). With a little care now, your garden will wake up happy, healthy, and ready to burst into life when spring returns.

If you’re after some advice on your own winter tidy-up, pop in and see our fabulous team — we’re always here to help.

See you soon,
Mandy

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