Embracing winter gardening

There’s always something to do in the garden, even during winter! By putting in a little bit of work now, you’ll be sitting pretty when spring arrives, with a vibrant and healthy garden ready to burst into life.

Protect Plants from Frost
Winter can be harsh on your garden, especially if you have tropical plants that are not frost-tolerant. If you have tropical plants in pots, now is the time to move them under the shelter of the verandah or indoors to protect them from frost. This simple step can make a significant difference in ensuring your plants survive the cold months.

For plants in the garden bed, spray them with a frost guard for some added protection. Frost guards work by creating a protective barrier on the leaves, reducing the risk of frost damage. You can also use frost blankets or cloches to provide extra insulation for vulnerable plants.

Prune Away
Winter is an excellent time to get out those secateurs and prune back deciduous plants such as roses, wisteria, and hydrangeas. Pruning helps get rid of spent flowers from last season and makes way for new growth. However, take care not to prune when frost is forecast, as it could damage the plant. Instead, choose a mild day for pruning to ensure the best results.

Pruning not only shapes your plants but also promotes healthier growth by removing dead or diseased wood. It encourages air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. For roses, winter pruning is crucial to encourage strong, vigorous growth and abundant blooms in the spring.

Get Planting
There are some stunning plant varieties available in winter; in fact, now is a prime time to plant many spring-flowering varieties. Make a trip to your local plant nursery and get planting! Look for bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, which will bring a splash of color to your garden in the early spring.

Consider planting winter-blooming flowers such as pansies, violas, and hellebores. These hardy plants can withstand the cold and provide beautiful blooms throughout the winter months. Winter is also an excellent time to plant perennials, giving them a head start before the growing season begins.

Fruit Trees and Your Vegetable Patch
There is always something to grow in your veggie patch, so don’t let winter stop you. Root vegetables, in particular, thrive in cooler temperatures and often develop a sweeter flavor during winter as the cold helps convert starches to sugar.

Some great winter-loving veggies to plant include:

• Red mizuna
• English and baby spinach
• Kale
• Rocket
• Spring onions
• Leeks
• Celery
• Broad beans
• Beetroot
• Carrot
• Radish

If you have citrus trees, be sure to use an all-purpose citrus fertilizer in late July/early August to see them through to spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and fruit production. Plant your strawberries now, too. They may not produce fruit until spring, but planting them in winter allows them to establish strong root systems.

Install a Water Tank
Winter is the perfect time to think ahead and prepare for the drier months by installing a rainwater tank. Take advantage of all this rain by capturing and storing it for later use. Rainwater tanks come in all different shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be one that will fit your space. During the warmer months, you'll be able to save on water costs and ensure your garden stays hydrated.