How to Help Your Garden Recover From Harsh Winter Conditions

Winter brings a lot of bad weather, including ice, heavy rains, winds, and snow. All of this negative weather can really take its toll on your garden. Has your garden suffered due to the harsh winter conditions? If so, it's important to know that all is not lost. There are some things that you can do now to help your garden recover so that it comes back thriving in the spring.

The experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk have teamed up with gardening expert Zahid Adnan, who is also the founder of ThePlantBible.com, to create this ultimate guide on everything you can do now to help your garden recover from harsh winter conditions. So, get your gardening gloves on and prepare to get to work, and your garden will be looking lush and healthy in no time.

Assess The Damage

The first step involves assessing the damage. Start by inspecting your garden thoroughly so that you can get an idea of how much it has suffered over the winter months. Identify any plants that have suffered from frost damage and look out for other signs, such as broken branches or any signs of stress. "Understanding the extent of the damage will help you prioritise your efforts", Adnan explains. Consider making some notes so that you know the full extent of the damage and so that you have a good idea of the work ahead.

Pruning and Trimming

Pruning and trimming are as important as regular jobs. However, it's even more important at this time to ensure your plants come back thriving in the spring. "Trim any damaged or dead branches to promote new growth", says Adnan. "Be strategic in your pruning, focusing on removing only the affected areas. This will encourage the plant to redirect its energy to healthier parts.” After pruning and trimming, you should notice that your plants start growing and blooming beautifully.

Soil Care

Harsh winter conditions can impact the health of the soil in your garden. You can revitalise the soil by adding organic matter. You can add things such as compost or well-rotted manure. By doing so, "this will improve the soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content, providing a better foundation for your plants", says Adnan. Your soil is one of the most important parts of plant growth, so it's important that you get the soil right in order to promote true, healthy growth.

Mulching

Adnan also suggests that you apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. “This acts as a protective barrier against extreme temperatures, helping to regulate the soil temperature and retain moisture.” Mulch can also help to provide some vital nutrients to the soil, which can be beneficial in promoting much healthier plants overall.

Watering Schedule

During this time, you will need to adjust your current watering routine based on the specific needs of each plant. This will give them the best chance of bouncing back during the spring and summer. "During winter, plants may not need as much water, but be mindful of potential dehydration. Water deeply when necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely," explains Adnan. Keep an eye on the weather and provide water as needed.

Introduce Hardy Plants

Consider incorporating more cold-resistant and hardy plant varieties in your garden. "These plants are better equipped to withstand harsh conditions and will contribute to the overall resilience of your garden," says Adnan. This can help to prevent your plants from suffering too much during the winter months, which can help save you a lot of time and effort in fixing your garden in the future.

Implement Frost Protection

Despite getting closer to spring, we must still be wary of unexpected frosts. You can do this by covering vulnerable plants with frost blankets. "This extra layer of protection can make a huge difference in preventing frost damage", Adnan explains. Of course, this may be region-specific advice. Consider the upcoming weather conditions in your area and act accordingly.

Monitor For Pests and Diseases

"Harsh conditions can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases", Adnan explains. "Keep a close eye on your garden and address any signs of infestation promptly to prevent any further damage." By acting fast, you prevent diseases and pests from spreading or potentially causing more damage to your garden. Smaller infestations are also much easier to get under control, so it's a good idea to inspect your garden regularly so that you can act quickly.

Encourage New Growth

You can help to foster new growth by providing your plants with a balanced fertiliser. "Choose a formula that suits the specific needs of your plants, promoting healthy development and recovery," says Adnan. This will help to ensure your plants have the tools needed to come back thriving in the spring.

Declutter The Space

When inspecting your garden, look for things that may need to be removed, such as leaves, fallen branches, or dead plants. If anything has blown into your garden that shouldn’t be there, make sure you get rid of those, too. At the same time, it's a good idea to inspect your gutters and remove any fallen leaves and branches from them, as this debris could cause leaks and floods, which could be detrimental to your garden.

Eliminate Die-Back

Mid-spring is a decent cut-off point to keep in mind if there is a di-back. "If there aren't any new shoots emerging from underneath, lightly scrape the bark in two or three locations before closely inspecting. The plant is dead if the bark comes off easily, is wet below, and is brown," explains Mike Lansing, co-founder and managing director of Planters Digest. "If the bark is hard but soft, and if the underside is green and moist, it is very likely still alive and will continue to grow. Every choice must ultimately be based on the specific facts at hand," Lansing continues.

Start Planning Your Garden Renovations

If you are planning on making any changes in your garden this year, it's best to start planning and completing these now. Things like installing a new patio or decking can make a big difference in the appearance of your garden and will allow you to add some furniture so you can enjoy your garden even more. If you complete these jobs now, you will be able to start enjoying your garden as soon as the better spring weather arrives. Other jobs, such as installing new fences and sheds or adding new furniture, should also be planned out carefully now.

Final Thoughts

The harsh winter weather conditions can have a big impact on your garden and may affect the livelihood of your plants. By doing some of these jobs now, you can begin the process of allowing your garden to recover from these terrible conditions. This will give your garden the best possible chance of coming back lush and thriving when spring comes back around.

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