It’s damp, grey and gloomy outside. Why would I possibly want to do anything in the garden? Well, I may not want to, but there are plenty of jobs that are worthwhile doing, and once I’ve put on plenty of warm clothes, got myself outside and got started, the time seems to fly by. This is what I’ll be doing:
Prune deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials
Still a good time to do this, whilst the plants are dormant and when it is easier to see the overall shape of the plant. If the herbaceous perennials have died back and are looking a bit untidy or diseased, cut all of the stems back to ground level.
Collect remaining fallen leaves
I’m just about to start off a new compost heap so a layer of leaves will be good for providing a bit of the volume required to raise the temperatures sufficiently to start composting process. Take care when disturbing large piles of leaves, in case there might be hibernating hedgehogs in there. Also, be sure to clear away dead leaves from the crowns of herbaceous perennials, to prevent them rotting.
Check container plants
Pots and containers that are located under the eaves or up against walls are often in rain shadows and may not get sufficient water. If temperatures are sufficiently above freezing (5 degrees C or more), check to see if the container’s soil surface is dry and water if necessary. Remove any dead or dying material to keep the containers looking attractive, and prevent the spread of any diseases.
Spread mulch
If the soil freezes, this is actually a perfect opportunity to spread mulch, such as homemade garden compost or well-rotted manure; walking on frozen soil doesn’t damage it. The mulch will supply nutrients and help water retention, once the weather warms up. Avoid barrowing mulch across a frozen lawn though; if there’s no alternative route, use planks to protect the grass.
Make plans!
If the weather is truly atrocious and the only option is to cosy up on the sofa with a cuppa, why not peruse those gardening books you’ve had on the bookshelf for years, to get some ideas for the forthcoming season?
I’m planning to make one or two raised beds and grow my own salad greens this year so I’ve been enjoying nosing through the seed catalogues and deciding on what cultivars to grow. The choice seems endless and it’s easy to get a bit click-happy when shopping online. However, being a fiddle player, I have to admit that I couldn’t resist ordering some Spinach ‘Violin’ seeds.
Young spinach plants
Keep an eye out for my blog post later in the month about pruning apple and pear trees - another winter job.