Winter is just around the corner, and that means there are important tasks to be done! Winter-proofing your garden is especially important, because without loving care, both plants and materials will suffer. And since no one knows in advance how cold, wet, or frosty it will be this year, precautions must be taken. Let's take a look at what needs to be done.
Anyone who has an allotment will hardly spend any time there over the winter. That is why it is important to protect the water pipes. If the water in the pipes freezes, it could cause damage that leads to unpleasant repairs in the spring. Therefore: Turn off the water, open the pipes until the remaining water has run out, and leave them open! The same applies to the small garden shed.
Plants also need winter protection
Perennials and roses also need to be protected. They are given a frost protection cover to keep them safe from cold, ice, and wet weather throughout the winter. Winter fleece, bubble wrap, or jute material are suitable for this. The upper part is wrapped up well and sealed. On the ground, fallen leaves from trees are very good for covering perennials as well. A thick layer of leaves protects against ground frost. These measures promote organic vegetable gardening in the private garden. And since the sowing of some vegetables like eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes begins as early as February, hobby gardeners should equip themselves with all the necessary means. Good places to find the right products as well as useful tips are order from the Garten und Erden ASB online shop and tips and tricks for the garden.
Moving container plants into the greenhouse
If you have a greenhouse, place your container plants inside. With a plant caddy, the containers can be easily transported into the greenhouse. Depending on the region, additional protection is also recommended here. Styrofoam boards on the floor prevent frost from creeping into the containers from below. This is important for exotic plants that are not hardy. In any case, they really need good protection. Alternatively, such plants also do well in dry cellar rooms.
Ending the season for the vegetable patch
After the vegetables have been harvested, all plant parts are removed and spread on the compost. Winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts and kale naturally remain in place. They are only harvested after the frost and can stay there until February. Late autumn is the right time for the rest of the vegetable patch to dig in compost or horse manure. This distributes the nutrients in the soil and makes them available again for the new sowing in the spring.
Before winter, all plants should be watered well once more. This applies especially to green-leaved hedges like cherry laurel. The timing is important: Watering must take place before the first frost so that the water in the soil does not freeze. Depending on how the weather develops, green-leaved hedges may also need to be watered in winter. This is because these plants in particular lose a lot of moisture through their leaves on sunny days. If the soil is then dried out, they will die of thirst. Frost-free days and nights should therefore always be used to water hedges. The right amount is important: The soil should be slightly moist and by no means waterlogged.
