Garden Jobs for Winter
As winter settles in and our gardens become quiet under frosty skies, it's easy to let lawn care slip to the back of our minds. Just like us, our lawns are taking a bit of a break—resting through the colder months before bursting back to life in spring.
But while it may not be peak gardening season, a little winter TLC can go a long way. With a few simple tasks and mindful care, you can set your lawn and garden up for success when warmer days return. Whether it's clearing debris, feeding the birds, or protecting your plants with mulch, these small actions can make a big difference.
Ready to give your garden some winter love? Here are our top winter gardening tips to help you make the most of the season—and ensure your lawn looks its best when spring rolls around.
Winter Gardening Activities
In the heart of winter, with cold temperatures and shorter days, our gardens may not be the first thing on our minds. Similar to us, our lawns take a well-deserved rest during this season.
However, amidst the hustle and bustle of winter and weather permitting, it remains beneficial to attend to a few gardening tasks. These preparations ensure that when spring arrives, our lawns are ready for us to relish.
Here are some key tips for December and into the new year:
REMOVE ITEMS
- It’s easy for items to be overlooked and left on the lawn in the cold winter when no one goes outside very often. When objects linger on the grass in cold weather, the weight can lead to substantial dead spots. Come springtime, the grass in those areas may appear stunted and thinner compared to the rest of the lawn.
REMOVE LEAVES
- Ensure leaves are picked up. Leaf damage can be long-lasting and can affect even the toughest of lawns. Leaves will block out sunlight and air which your grass needs to survive. The trapped moisture underneath also creates moss-loving conditions (which we do not want).
MULCHING
- Keep applying mulch to trees, shrubs, and planting beds. An effortless way to mulch is by using fallen leaves. Gather the leaves, shred them thoroughly, and distribute them around your plants and flower beds. Mulching offers numerous advantages. It not only safeguards your garden's soil from erosion but also serves as a protective barrier, preventing the growth of weeds and other unwanted grasses.
CLEAN GARDEN TOOLS
- The cold and wet weather can damage your garden tools if not brought indoors. Bring them indoors and give them a good clean.
DRAIN GARDEN HOSES
- Remember to drain and detach your garden hoses or you run the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting.
Winter can be a challenging time for our feathered friends. As natural food sources become scarce and temperatures drop, birds rely more on garden feeders to get the nutrition they need to survive the colder months.
Keep your bird feeders filled regularly and check them often to ensure the food hasn't gone mouldy or frozen. Damp, spoiled seed can make birds ill and may discourage them from returning to your garden. Opt for high-quality, energy-rich foods that will provide the fuel birds need to stay warm and active.
AUTUMN/WINTER LONG TREATMENT
- Treat your lawn to our Autumn/Winter Long treatment. This treatment is a little different from our other treatments throughout the year. Rather than encouraging growth, it strengthens the plant for the rigours of winter. It dehydrates the moss and controls it by slowing down its activity.
ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of distress your lawn may be facing, so we can treat for it as soon as possible.
SNOW MOULD
Microdochium Patch (fusarium), more commonly known as Snow Mould is a cold weather disease and enjoys persistent drizzle and foggy/misty conditions with low air movement.
Symptoms appear as small, circular, yellow patches which can spread up to about 30cm in diameter. Once established, the patches turn a yellow/brown colour and in severe cases can kill the grass. After the disease becomes inactive, the area appears pale and straw-like.
Lawns that have a high thatch layer and poor drainage, as well as enclosed lawns with little air movement, are the most susceptible to this disease.
MOSS
If your lawn is exposed to too much water and becomes water-logged this could potentially cause moss in your garden. Moss can be found in a wide variety of locations, but on lawns it will grow when grass growth is slow and the soil is wet, as well as in shady and damp conditions.
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Further Reading
Discover more seasonal tips and advice to help you care for your garden through the winter months.
What Plants Bloom in Winter
GreenThumb’s blog highlights various plants that bloom during winter, adding vibrant colour to your garden during the colder months. Featured plants include Winter Jasmine and Christmas Rose.
Read More
NutraGreen Autumn/Winter
Our NutraGreen Autumn/Winter Long treatment boosts your lawn with a micronutrient feed, improving winter resilience. Applied October to December, it also dries out moss,, while aiding recovery from aeration and scarification.
Read more
Want a thicker, healthier lawn?
Aeration and Scarification improve overall soil health by boosting airflow, nutrients, and water to grass roots. These essential treatments reduce compaction and thatch, promoting stronger, greener, and more resilient grass.
Read More