Winter gardening tips

The temperature is really dropping now. We've had a relatively mild November but now that our cars need de-icing in the morning, it’s clear that December is bringing in the wintry weather.
It’s going to require a lot more motivation and determination to pick yourself up from the cosy sofa but just a small amount of time treating your garden will prepare it for optimal spring planting.

If you’re having an outdoor Christmas tree make sure it is cared for. Place the cut trunk in water to allow the tree to drink naturally and like other trees keep it out of harsh winds and keep it sheltered. After the festive season it can be re-potted.

To protect your trees and shrubs from frost make sure to wrap them in fleece or protective wrapping such as straw. It might also be necessary to provide a wind break for plants in order to protect them from cold harsh winds. Though most trees will have long lost their leaves by now, dogwoods have beautifully coloured barks and are showcased well during the winter.

A white Christmas may be on everyone’s wish list this winter but snow may damage your trees. Make sure excess snow is brushed off branches and leaves as it can ruin the shape of your tree by breaking limbs. Herbs may need to be brought inside or wrapped up to protect from frost as well, especially if they are going to be used for your festive dinners.

Holly is the most iconic Christmas plant and if you want yours to remain full of fruits to use for decoration on the big day, you should keep it netted to prevent birds and other animals from leaving it fruitless.

If wildlife is a keen focus of yours and for your garden, make sure you have plenty of bird feeders that are well stocked during the colder months. Natural sources of food are sparse and an array of helpful bird feeders will attract plenty of red breasted Robins to your garden.

For any questions or advice on preparing your garden for winter, or ideas on what to try for your garden next year, then please contact Seagrave Nurseries.