Winter Care Tips @the_mediterranean_gardener

Clean up the fallen leaves and spent blooms from your flower beds. Once you’ve cleared the debris, consider adding mulch to enrich the soil.

Some plants are more vulnerable to cold than others. Wrapping them in a layer of horticultural fleece can provide the necessary protection they need. For particularly tender plants, you might want to consider moving them to a greenhouse or indoors, provided they get enough sunlight.

Winter is the perfect time for pruning your shrubs and trees, as it gives you a clear vision of the branches and buds without the cover of leaves. Pruning promotes new growth and discourages disease. Make sure you research the right pruning techniques for each plant type to avoid unnecessary damage.

If you have a pond or fountain, you can add a floating ball which will prevent the water from freezing entirely, which can be harmful to aquatic life.

Now onto an often overlooked aspect of winter garden care – the maintenance of hosepipes and their attachments. Hosepipes left out in freezing temperatures can crack and tear, rendering them useless when spring arrives.

Firstly, empty your hosepipe by rolling it up and pushing out any remaining water. The residual water can freeze and expand, potentially damaging the pipe walls. Once it’s fully drained, store your hosepipe in a shed or garage, away from the harsh winter elements.

Spray guns, sprinklers and connectors should also be thoroughly drained of water, then dried and stored. Rubber O-rings and seals on hose attachments should be checked, and if these are worn out or damaged, they should be replaced before storage to avoid any broken equipment come spring.

Finally, disconnect your hosepipe from any external taps. If previously uninsulated, insulate outdoor taps with a cover to prevent them from freezing.