Winter gardening tips for a super spring

Our gardens are often neglected over the winter period but it’s a good idea to get ahead of the game when it comes to our green spaces so you can make the most of your garden as soon as spring hits. Perhaps you aren’t the green-fingered type, or you haven’t got a garden? Well, our tips are full of super simple ways to brighten up and utilise your outdoor (and indoor) spaces and are easy to follow - even for a gardening novice!

1.  For that luscious green lawn

Whether you’re proud to prune your lawn or a reluctant mower here are some really easy lawn-care tips for the winter months that will help it enter spring in the best possible shape.

-     Clear leaves and debris using a light rake: moisture trapped by falling leaves will make the lawn susceptible to disease and worm activity. However, worms do improve the balance of nutrients in soil so if you do notice any worm casts or mole mounds its best to leave them to dry. Then, remove with a stiff brush and reseed the areas in spring if needed.

-     Keep the mowing to a minimum: Grass will continue to grow and require mowing in temperatures 5ºc and over. However, avoid mowing when there are heavy frosts forecast or if the ground is wet. When you do mow in the winter months you should ensure the grass is left at a length 25% higher than in summer months.

-     Help the lawn breathe: Aerating your lawn will improve drainage in the wet months and help encourage air to circulate to the roots. The result? A healthier looking lawn come springtime. You can aerate your lawn easily with a garden fork.

-     Keep off the grass: Let your lawn rest during the winter months. Grass can be easily damaged in snow and frosty conditions so keeping off the grass will mean it won’t have to repair the winter damage when it comes to spring.

2. Think about planting your bulbs and seeds

There are a huge range of bulbs and seeds that can be sown in winter to create a wonderful spring scene in your garden. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), crocus (Crocus sativus) and of course daffodils are but a few that will fill your garden with colourful blooms in spring if planted during the winter months.  If you’re aiming for a bountiful vegetable patch this year it’s also the right time to sow onions and garlic, although it’s best to start your onions off in a tray of compost to begin with then move them to your patch come spring.

3. Nurture a herb garden 

Don’t have a garden? No problem! There are all sorts of plants you can grow in an indoor space, a herb garden being one of the easiest. Growing a herb garden will not only come in incredibly handy when cooking up a storm in the kitchen but they can also add great fragrance to your home and will give you a great sense of achievement when you see them flourish. Herbs are a great starting point if you’re a complete novice gardener or if you’re limited on space as they are easy to manage and can be grown in small containers inside, all year round. Why not start with basil, oregano or sage? Lavender is also a great option if you want something with a little more fragrance and mint is great if you don’t have a lot of direct sunlight. Whatever you choose for your herb garden just make sure it’s in a room that doesn’t dip below 15ºc and gets a little bit of sunlight each day. You don’t have to stop at herbs, if you’re feeling ambitious tomatoes and lettuce leaves are also great space saving grows for indoors.

Whether you have acres to take care of or just a windowsill to make pretty there are many ways you can introduce plants into your living space. Check out our article to give you some ideas for plants that not only look attractive but also help to purify the air in your home.