5 tips for a garden that makes it through winter

The garden needs attention in winter too, albeit with different jobs than in the growing season. With these five tips your garden will be well prepared to get through the cold.

1. Protect vulnerable potted plants
Plants in pots are more sensitive to frost than plants in open ground, because their roots are less protected. Wrap vulnerable pots in horticultural fleece or jute, or move them to a sheltered spot against the wall.

2. Put patio plants on pot feet
Pot feet keep the pot off a wet surface so that excess water can drain away properly. This stops the roots from standing in water and rotting when it freezes.

3. Water less
Most plants largely stop growing in winter, so they need much less water. Only water when the soil feels really dry; in this period too much water is more harmful than too little.

4. Prune the right plants at the right time
Not every plant wants to be pruned in winter. Summer-flowering shrubs can do with a prune now, but wait with spring bloomers until after flowering, otherwise you’ll cut the buds off.

5. Think of the Christmas tree
A real Christmas tree stays fresh longest with a straight, fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk and plenty of water in the stand; in the first few days, even top it up daily.

Do you need advice on getting your garden ready for winter, or are you still looking for a real Christmas tree? Feel free to visit De Kroon flowers