Winter jobs to get your garden in shape
Thursday, 19 January 2012 10:16 AM
Although it may be cold outside and therefore you aren't using your garden at present, there are numerous jobs you can do to ensure it is in top condition as soon as spring rolls around. Here are a few suggestions of some tasks you can take on.
Sort out your plants
If you're determined to make the most of your garden in 2012, you should start thinking now about which plants you would like to see in your flowerbeds.
Do some research about the kinds of shrubs, flowers and trees that will thrive in your area and take a look at a few seed catalogues to see if you can pick up any bargains.
Once you've decided which new foliage you'd like to plant, you can start to prepare the beds by double digging the ground. This process involves digging trenches to a depth of two spades and ensuring you keep the piles of top soil and sub soil separate. Once you have dug your bed, you then need to refill the trenches with the newly turned soil.
If you're not feeling that energetic, you might want to get a gardener in to help out with this kind of work. Just make sure you don't reach for your spade if the ground is waterlogged or frozen though.
Should you have a vegetable patch, the winter months are the ideal time to remove any old crops you have left in your plot. This will mean the soil is ready for planting as soon as the weather warms up a little.
Plan new garden features
When it comes to garden design ideas, the best time to implement any major changes is during the winter, especially if it involves erecting any new structures like a gazebo or fence.
This means you can look forward to making the most of your new features when the spring weather kicks in.
It is also advisable to ensure any existing patios, decking or other structures are in good condition. Take the time to clean off the stone slabs on your patio, for instance, or really scrub your wooden decking to get it looking its best.
Just make sure you remember that many creatures like hedgehogs and insects will hibernate during the winter, so you should avoid disturbing log piles or other areas of your garden where such animals may have chosen to settle down for the cold months of the year.
Check your drains
Stormy weather and lots of rain can result in blocked drains, so it is vital that you regularly check any outlets during the winter, as well as ensure your guttering remains clear.
Although you may not need to do anything, it is always worth removing any debris that builds up near or in your drain as and when you notice it, rather than waiting until it is overflowing.
Not only can a blocked drain lead to an unpleasant smell, but the water could contaminate parts of your garden or even damage your home if large amounts of liquid pool next to the walls.
You may even discover it costs you money to fix the problem, as you might need to call in the services of a professional in order to clear the drain properly and repair any damage caused to the pipes as a result of the blockage.
Look after the outside of your home
While you may be focusing on your garden, it is also a good idea to check the exterior of your home for any potential weak points or damage.
It is worth making sure the brickwork is in good condition at this time of year, as you will want to avoid any leaks or damp seeping through the walls.
Although you may not be able to deal with such problems alone, simply recognising they are there at an early stage could save you a lot of hassle.
The pointing is one common area that often needs attention, for instance. This is the mortar that sits between the bricks and after time, some of it can become loose. The best way to fix this issue is to remove the affected mortar and replace it.
An alternative option is to use render, which covers the bricks providing a weatherproof, smooth coating on the outside of a building.
This can make a house look much more presentable, as well as protect it from the elements, so it could be a project you are keen to undertake.
If you manage to carry out some of these jobs during the winter, you can look forward to sitting back and enjoying your outdoor space once the weather warms up!
