When the days get shorter and the nights colder, it's time to prepare your garden for winter. Good preparation will help your plants, shrubs, and trees survive the cold months, so they'll sprout vigorously again in spring. With a few simple steps, you can give your garden the best start to the new season.
Pruning: give plants a fresh start
Autumn is an excellent time to prune certain shrubs and trees:
- Remove dead or diseased branches: this prevents mold and diseases.
- Deciduous shrubs: After the leaves have fallen, you can apply topiary.
- Fruit trees: Prune apple and pear trees lightly for a better harvest next year.
- Don't prune everything: Leave ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and perennials with seed pods – protection and winter decoration in one.
Mulching: natural protection
Mulching means covering the soil with organic material such as leaves, tree bark or compost:
- Protects the roots: mulch acts as an insulating layer against the cold.
- Prevents dehydration: the soil stays moist longer.
- Nourishes the soil: organic material breaks down slowly and improves soil structure.
Tip: Use fallen autumn leaves as free mulch – sustainable and effective!
Protect against frost
Not all plants are winter-hardy. With a little extra care, you can help them get through the winter:
- Tub plants: place them indoors or in a sheltered conservatory.
- Frost-sensitive plants: wrap the root ball or trunk in fleece, jute or straw.
- Olive trees and palms: Protect the roots with mulch and the trunk with bubble wrap or winter covers.
- To water: Evergreens can also get thirsty in winter, especially during dry frost.
Extra tips for a healthy winter garden
- Selectively clear leaves: remove from the lawn, but leave in the borders as protection.
- Care for birds: place bird food and enjoy more life in the garden.
- Check pots and containers: Prevent standing water to avoid root rot and damaged pots from freezing.
Closing note
Pruning, mulching, and frost protection ensure your garden enters the winter strong and healthy. This not only creates calm and structure during the cold months but also lays the foundation for a blooming garden in the spring.
