AS the deep winter months take root, we must protect our plants and prepare for the spring growth ahead.
And horticultural experts at Cherry Lane Garden Centres have revealed the top jobs you should be prioritising to ensure your garden space is ready for the seasonal changes ahead.
Their team says: “By taking essential steps during the winter months, you’ll set your garden up for success come springtime.
“Whether it’s protecting your plants from frost, preparing seedbeds, or pruning dormant roses, these tasks will ensure your garden remains healthy and ready to flourish.”
First up, the gardening pros have revealed that the start of 2025 is the perfect time to focus on your roses.
They say: “January and February are the ideal months for pruning roses, as the plants are dormant and less susceptible to disease.
“Pruning now helps shape the plant, encourages healthy growth, and promotes a beautiful display of blooms in the spring and summer.
“Use sharp, clean secateurs to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems. Aim to cut just above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open shape and good air circulation.
“Don’t be afraid to prune hard – most roses respond well to a thorough winter trim.”
And here’s the four other jobs the Cherry Lane team say you should focus on this coming month…
“During the coldest months, protecting your plants from harsh frosts is essential to keep them thriving”, they say.
“Using horticultural fleece can provide a layer of insulation, helping to guard tender plants from freezing temperatures. This is particularly important for young or newly planted shrubs and perennials.
“Simply drape the fleece loosely over plants, securing it with pegs or stones to stop it from blowing away.
“Be sure to remove it during warmer days to allow air circulation and prevent overheating.
“For extra protection, wrapping pots or containers in bubble wrap helps keep roots warm through the coldest snaps.”
Mulching in winter is a great way to protect your plants and enrich the soil.
To carry out this gardening hack, the Cherry Lane team suggest applying a generous layer of organic mulch – such as compost, bark, or well-rotted manure – to help insulate plant roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
They add: “Spread the mulch evenly around the base of fruit trees, shrubs, and roses, taking care not to pile it against stems or trunks. A layer about 5-7cm thick is ideal.
“Mulching now not only protects roots from frost but also encourages healthy growth when spring arrives.”
It’s not just roses you should focus on at this time of year.
While winter may seem like a dormant period, some plants still benefit from a bit of deadheading to keep them looking their best.
The Cherry Lane experts say: “Removing spent flowers from winter-flowering varieties like pansies, violas, and hellebores encourages more blooms and stops the plant from putting energy into seed production.
“Regular deadheading also prevents the flowers from turning to mush in cold, damp conditions.
“Simply pinch off the faded blooms with your fingers or use a pair of clean, sharp scissors for more precise removal.”
Finally, getting ahead with seedbed preparation in winter ensures you’re ready for spring planting.
On drier days, dig over your vegetable patches or flower beds to break up compacted soil and remove any lingering weeds.
This allows the frost to work its magic on the soil, breaking it down into a fine texture perfect for sowing.
The Cherry Lane experts conclude: ““Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve structure.
“Rake the soil level and cover with fleece or a cloche/bell to keep it dry and warm, giving seeds the best possible start when planting time arrives.”
