Late winter, may seem like an odd time to start thinking about your garden. However, it's the perfect time to prepare your garden for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. The cold weather and lack of growth make it easier to see what needs to be done, and the ground is still hard enough to walk on without causing damage.
Plus, getting a head start on your garden cleanup will make it easier to enjoy your garden as soon as the weather warms up. At Carey Tools, we understand the work involved in maintaining your garden. We have created this guide to help you keep your garden looking good before spring starts.
Pruning is a crucial task in late winter, as it helps to shape and control the growth of your plants. It's best to prune deciduous trees and shrubs when they are dormant, as it is less stressful on the plants and reduces the risk of disease. Be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and any crossing or rubbing against each other.
Leaves and other debris can smother your lawn and garden beds, so clearing them away is important before they decompose and add to soil acidity. Rake up any leaves that have fallen on your lawn, and remove any that are stuck in your flower beds or around your trees and shrubs.
Inspect any garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and fences, for damage caused by wind and heavy snow. Make any necessary repairs to ensure they will be able to support the growth of your plants in the coming months.
Turn over your soil, and remove any weeds or debris that may have accumulated over the winter. If your soil is compacted, use a garden fork to aerate it and improve drainage. This will help your plants to grow stronger roots and be more resilient in the spring.
When the chill of winter starts to fade and the first hints of spring approach, late winter is the perfect time to give your garden a thorough cleanup. Among the myriad tasks in preparing your garden for the warmer days ahead, garden furniture often holds a special place. After months of exposure to winter's wrath, these pieces may need some tender loving care. Here's how to tackle your garden furniture during your late winter cleanup:
Inspection Time: Begin by taking a good look at all your garden furniture. Check for any visible damage caused by the winter months, such as cracking, rusting, or general wear and tear. Wooden furniture might have splinters or show signs of rot, while metal pieces could be susceptible to rust.
Cleaning: Dust off any debris or dried leaves from your furniture. Use a mild soap and water mixture to scrub away any dirt or stains. For wooden furniture, a soft brush can help to get rid of any stubborn spots, while metal or plastic pieces might benefit from a cloth or sponge. Remember to dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold or further rusting.
Repairs and Maintenance: Any cracks, splinters, or rust spots you've identified will need addressing. Sand down any rough patches on wooden furniture and consider applying a protective sealant or paint to extend its lifespan. For metal furniture, remove rust with a wire brush and apply a rust-resistant paint.
Protective Measures: If you haven’t already, invest in quality furniture covers. These covers protect against rain, snow, and even UV damage, ensuring that your furniture remains in top shape no matter the weather conditions.
Repositioning: Late winter is a great time to reconsider the layout of your garden furniture. Maybe the flow wasn’t quite right last year or you've acquired new pieces. Position your furniture to take full advantage of the sun's warmth as spring arrives, while also considering shade for those hotter summer days.
Upholstery and Cushion Care: If your garden furniture includes cushions, they too need attention. Check for any signs of mold or mildew. Wash cushion covers according to manufacturer instructions, and if they’re sun-faded, consider replacing them or exploring fabric dyes to rejuvenate their appearance.
Storage Solutions: If you have the space, storing certain pieces of garden furniture indoors or in a shed can drastically prolong their lifespan. Collapsible pieces, in particular, benefit from being kept in a dry, sheltered location when not in use.
Late winter is a great time to purchase tools because the weather is generally more mild and conducive to outdoor projects. This means you can get outside and start using your new tools immediately. Buying tools in late winter also ensures that you’ll have them in time for your spring projects, which can help you stay on schedule and on budget. Here are some tools you should start buying now;
Check out our guide to the best gardening tools to have here.
Can I prune my evergreen trees and shrubs in late winter?
It is best to prune evergreen trees and shrubs in the early spring, after the risk of frost has passed. Pruning them while they are dormant can cause more damage and stress to the plant.
How do I know if my soil is compacted?
Soil that is compacted will feel hard and may have poor drainage. If your plants are struggling to grow and are often waterlogged, it's a sign that your soil may be compacted.
Can I add new plants to my garden during late winter?
While you can plant new trees, shrubs, and perennials during late winter, it's best to wait until the ground has thawed and the risk of frost has passed. Spring is the ideal time to add new plants to your garden.
How often should I do a late winter garden cleanup?
A late winter garden cleanup should be done annually to ensure your garden is ready for the upcoming growing season.
Late winter may not be the most obvious time to think about your garden, but it's the perfect time to prepare it for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Taking the time to prune, rake, and clean up your garden, as well as checking and repairing any garden structures, will help to get a head start for spring.
