WARNING SIGNS
The 13 red flags that could be ruining your garden this winter & it’s bad news if you’ve got wooden outdoor furniture
You'll need to closely inspect your fence too
THE temperatures have dropped dramatically outside.
And as winter well and truly sets in, there are some jobs you need to get to work on if you want to protect your garden during the colder months.
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According to gardening pros, there are numerous red flags to look out for that could end up landing you with a costly bill.
So they've shared the warning signs to look out for, so that you can fix them before winter and stop potential everlasting damage.
First off, sheds.
Rusty hinges are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to wooden garden sheds.
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This is because the hinges can lead to gaps in the doors, meaning that winter winds can get in and cause damage - especially when it snows.
Likewise, it's important to check your shed's roof, as cracks can allow rain or snow to get in, leading to mould and potentially structural damage.
It's also a good idea to ensure your shed has the proper insulation, as it will help keep the contents safe and protected.
There are some red flags to keep an eye on when it comes to your lawn too.
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If you've got a thin or patchy lawn, it's more likely to get 'frost heave' - a term which describes what happens when the grass is damaged by repeated freezing and thawing.
And don't forget to clear away leaves or debris from the grass, as the bits blocking the sunlight and trapping moisture in the lawn can encourage the growth of mould.
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Try not to compact your soil too much, as doing so can lead to water or ice sitting on top rather than draining below - causing damage to the grass in the process.
It's also important to keep on top of garden maintenance, with the pros at insisting a thorough once over of the green space should be completed twice a year.
Lastly, they explain that you must keep a close check on your fences.
Leaning panels are never good, as a strong storm or winds could lead to it being knocked over, leaving your garden exposed.
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Get your garlic in a sunny spot of ground, and you can also plant sweet peas and cut and come again lettuce to see you over the Winter.
Depending on where you live - think about protecting your more tender plants - one brutal frost can set you back psychologically and financially. I’ve had success with plastic cloches which can look nice on smaller plants rather than the bulky fleece. But for plants like bananas, cut them back and wrap them up.
If all the leaves are off your apple tree, you could consider cutting it back. The usual dead, diseased, damaged and crossing branches should be pruned. It will open the tree up and encourage strong Spring growth.
You can either prune your roses the usual way, by cutting off side stems and tying in - or experiment like Niff Barnes - and create incredible sculptures by stripping all the leaves and bending the main framework into swirls and shapes. Its also a good time to take cuttings.
Hellebores are great winter cover - get them in the ground now - along with bright cyclamen for splashes of colour.
Clean your greenhouse - wipe down all the panes - fairy liquid and water is absolutely fine - and work up a sweat by giving it a good tidy and sort out before it’s too cold to be out there too long.
Sounds simple but rake your lawn regularly - you don’t want the grass to die back under mounds of old rotting leaves. Keep the leaves to make leaf mould.
Likewise, the fence posts must be secured properly in the ground to ensure they don't go anywhere when the winds pick up.
And remember to check over the fence panels to look for rot or decay, in the case of wooden fences, or rust on metal fences.
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