For lots of gardeners, it is the Spring and Summer months that bring the most reward after hours of caring and preening result in beautiful flowers, bountiful shrubs and immaculate lawns.

For many people, though, Winter is a time when they just hope that plants stay alive long enough to leave them until Spring. All it takes, is a little investment to capitalise on your outside space all year long.

Keep leaves cleared during winter visits; good garden hygiene helps reduce diseases. Decomposing leaves and other debris on hard standing will supply enough nutrients for weeds to self-seed in cracks, grow and then spread – they can also make paths slippery.

Weeds will continue to grow during a mild winter; ensure all borders are weed-free to allow border plants to grow in spring.

Wrapping pots in bubble wrap can protect against the frost, and horticultural fleece can keep vulnerable plants safe – using twine can help protect your garden against the wind and cloches can protect your plants and help things grow when the temperatures drop, but keep them somewhere protected from the wind, like a wall, edge of a building or hedge.

Use the greenhouse

If you have a greenhouse, then this is the best way to keep plants warm and safe. Some plants are dormant during the winter months. As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged, these plants can be replanted before they ‘wake up’ in spring.

Lawn seed can be applied in winter. Grass grows above 5 degrees.

Winter is a good time to dig a new border. Leave soil in clumps – the winter rain and frost will help it break down naturally – this will also expose any pests to natural predators and the cold. Checking your soil's PH levels is crucial, especially if you are a regular compost user (this can gradually increase the acidity of the soil and throw levels off).

Digging over vegetable plots or preparing new ones can also be done during the winter months. Cabbage, watercress, beetroot and other hearty plants and herbs are perfect to grow through the winter.
In winter, you are seeing your garden in its bare bones, and what repairs are needed - leaky shed roofs, loose paving, blown down fences – this is the time of year to do these tasks.

Clean your decking

While it may seem obvious in the winter months, most people often neglect to clean their decking, but this is the most cost-effective way of maintaining its longevity. Tackle any debris, moss or mould that may have formed on the top of the decking by sweeping repeatedly until clear, then go ahead and wash using a hosepipe or, better still, a pressure washer.

To keep it looking its best, protect your decking once a year using a decking protector, decking stain or decking oil. This will absorb any water, creating a translucent, waterproof layer. Decking stain comes in a variety of colours, and as well as weatherproofing the wood, will make the decking look fantastic.
So now your garden is ready for the winter months, and the work you have done in preparation will ensure a beautiful garden in Spring

If you are looking for a property with beautiful gardens, then North Leeds properties certainly tick all the boxes. If you are thinking of selling in the New Year and would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip estate agents on 0113 4676 400

W: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Selling properties in Leeds and covering North Leeds, Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in- Wharfedale, Otley and Alwoodley