THE weather has definitely turned with freezing temperatures and snow already hitting parts of the country.
And now is the time to get your garden prepped for the hard winter ahead, according to the experts.
Jason Mennie, Managing Director at Haon Garden Rooms, says: “Winter can be a challenging season for gardeners, but with some preparation, it’s possible to protect your plants from the pests that seek refuge in the cold.
“By combining preventative measures such as cleaning up garden debris, using natural repellents, and encouraging beneficial wildlife, gardeners can ensure that their garden survives the winter months and is ready to thrive when spring arrives.”
Here Jason gives his top 10 tips for helping your outdoor space survive the season.
1. CLEAN UP
WHILE we associate summer with pests, they can still do some serious damage over winter. So it’s vital you protect your garden from invaders.
Jason said: “Pests, such as aphids, slugs and overwintering insects, can hide in fallen leaves, dead plants and garden trash, so it’s important to rake up leaves, remove dead plants and compost or dispose of any plant material that could harbour pests or disease.”
2. COSY BEDS
JUST like everyone at this time of year, your garden needs to stay warm.
The expert said: “Mulch insulates the soil, helping to regulate temperature and moisture, but it also serves as a barrier for pests.
“Once you’ve applied a thick layer of organic mulch – such as straw, leaves or wood chips – around your plants, it will help deter rodents and insects from burrowing into the soil while keeping roots warm and protected.”
3. COVER UP
IT’S important to give your garden as much protection as possible over the chilly season.
Jason said: “Floating row covers or garden fleece can protect plants from cold weather and pests.
“ You will need to drape lightweight fabric over plants, anchoring the edges with rocks or soil; this keeps pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and rodents from reaching your plants while still allowing air and light through.”
4. WEED IT OUT
GETTING rid of weeds is no one’s favourite job, at any time of the year. And you may think the cold weather will simply kill them off but some hardy species can survive the winter – and cause issues for your precious garden.
Jason advised: “Pull weeds out of your garden before winter sets in, ensuring they don’t provide hiding spots or breeding grounds for insects and rodents.”
5. BUG BALL
NOT all insects are the enemy, the expert said. In fact, some bugs are helpful as they keep the real pests at bay.
He added: “Plant a range of plants that attract beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, spiders and predatory beetles, which help control pest populations.
“You can also create habitats like insect hotels, with stacked wood and hollow stems, to shelter these predators during the cold months.”
6. PLUG THE GAPS
IT’S vital to make your garden as tricky to access as possible for the bigger winter pests, who like to come in and munch your plants.
Jason said: “Rodents, like mice and voles, seek shelter in garden sheds, greenhouses and under mulch, so seal up any holes or gaps in fences, sheds and other structures.
“Consider placing hardware cloth around the base of plant beds or garden structures to keep rodents from burrowing in.”
7. NATURAL SOLUTION
IF all else fails there are other solutions you can use to protect your outdoor space – and some can be found around the home.
The expert said: “Some pests might not be deterred by physical barriers alone, by using organic insecticides, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth.
“Or try natural repellents like garlic spray, peppermint oil or hot pepper solutions as they can discourage insects and rodents without harming beneficial insects.”
8. BRANCH OUT
IF you have trees or bushes in your garden these are a particular favourite for pests. It’s vital that you protect these or face losing them by the time summer comes.
Jason says: “Rodents, such as voles and rabbits, may chew on the bark of young trees and shrubs, so ensure you wrap them with a protective guard or mesh and surround shrubs with fencing to prevent pests from gnawing on them.”
9. FULL HOUSE
IF you want to keep growing over the winter months you’ll need to use a greenhouse or cold frame.
But these can attract hungry pests seeking shelter from the cold in the chilly winter months.
Jason advised: “You must ensure the structure is well-sealed and adequately ventilated by using sticky traps or pheromone traps to catch indoor pests and regularly check for signs of infestation.”
10. STRIKE EARLY
EVEN if you’ve done all you can to guard your garden from insects, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the place over the colder months.
He said: “Inspect your garden occasionally throughout the winter for signs of pests, such as chewed leaves or tracks in the snow, as they can cause damage if left unchecked. Early detection allows you to take action before pests multiply.”
