Essential winter gardening tips

The benefit of living in Australia is that you can indulge in your hobby of gardening all year round, even in winter. Whether you’re working on living more sustainably, hoping to boost your property value with a healthy garden or just developing your green thumb, these tips will keep your garden bountiful this winter.

1. Pruning

Winter is the best time to prune deciduous trees. In winter they have no leaves and it is easier to make out the form of the tree and prune accordingly.

Winter is also the key time for pruning roses. Rose pruning should be bold, leaving only a few main stems. A spray with lime sulphur afterwards will help keep pests and disease at bay. Hydrangeas, wisteria, gardenias, and grapes are all best pruned in the winter, as are fruit trees.

2. Weeding

Winter brings rain and rain brings weeds, especially if your garden still gets sun during the day.

Failing to weed properly in the winter can cause these annoying plants to get out of control. Not only are weeds unsightly, they steal much-needed nutrients from your plants. Getting in and pulling weeds out by their roots (or arranging with your gardener to do so) will keep your garden much healthier. Throw a layer of mulch over weeded areas; this can help to stop weeds from spreading.

3. Vegetables

Winter vegetables grown in your very own yard make for hearty, healthy, and delicious winter meals.

The best vegetables to grow in winter will depend on where in Australia you live but generally, carrots, cabbage, English spinach, broad beans, peas, potatoes, and cauliflower are good winter growers.

Growing vegetables in a container can help to protect them from frost or water loss in dry, cold places. Covering your veggies with plastic overnight can also protect them in colder climates. Just make sure to remove the plastic in the morning for that vital dose of sun.

4. Evergreens

Having evergreens in your garden is a great way to keep your garden looking fresh at all times of year. Rosemary, Callistemon, little john, Syzygium, nandina and assorted succulents all make for stunning winter gardens.

5. Planting

In general, winter is not the best time for planting. Instead, spend the winter months preparing and planning for spring. Take a look at some resources like Gardening Australia or other local gardening websites for more advice on what will grow well in your area once the days start to grow longer.

Thinking of releasing potential equity in your home to upgrade your outdoor areas and create a garden that works for your lifestyle? Speak to a MoneyQuest finance specialist today.

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