How to prepare your garden for winter

After the excitement of summer garden parties and spring patio get-togethers, the time comes when our gardens deserve to wind down and prepare for the cold, crisp autumn and winter months. With autumn quickly approaching, now is the perfect moment to focus on garden prep for winter and get your outdoor space ready for the colder, wetter weather ahead.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to prepare your garden for winter effectively, including how to store patio furniture for the winter and how to cover garden furniture for the winter — so you can protect your outdoor investment and ensure your garden bounces back beautifully come spring time!

Plant Tool

Step 1: Tidy up your garden!

So, when should you start preparing your garden for winter? Ideally, from September through October, begin by clearing away debris, removing unwanted waste to your compost heap, and trimming back perennial plants to soil level. Keep your garden tidy and clutter-free to reduce places where pests and diseases can hide.

Be careful not to over-dig the soil during garden prep for winter, as this can disrupt the natural protective top layer formed by decaying organic matter. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden after winter.

Gardener's World

Step 2: Protect your garden from flooding

Winter often brings heavy rains, so protecting your garden from flooding is essential. Make sure your soil is well-drained by cultivating it throughout the year and consider planting in raised beds to keep plants out of soggy ground. Raised beds enclosed in timber sleepers can add both protection and style to your garden.

Mower Place

Step 3: How to store patio furniture for the winter

Outdoor furniture can suffer from exposure to moisture, cold, and frost. To keep it in good shape, store patio furniture for the winter in a dry shed or garage if you have the space. If storage isn’t an option, invest in thick waterproof covers designed specifically for garden furniture to prevent rust and mould. Don’t forget to store cushions separately in waterproof bags to keep them dry and fresh.

Sheds Direct

Step 4: Continuous maintenance of driveways and patios

Snow, ice, and frost can damage patios and driveways. Regular sweeping or blowing leaves and debris off your outdoor surfaces during autumn and winter will prevent discoloration and moss buildup. When necessary, use a de-icer carefully, knowing some temporary staining might occur but will fade over time.

Pressure washing your patio before winter sets in is another great tip to remove dirt and grime, which could otherwise cause cracks during freeze-thaw cycles. When pressure washing, keep the nozzle at a shallow angle and work from a distance to avoid damaging the surface.

Marshalls

Step 5: Uproot any annual flowers & de-weed your garden

Annual flowers bring bright colours throughout the warmer months but need to be removed once the season ends. Uproot these plants and add them to your compost pile to make the most of their nutrients.

Also, de-weed your garden thoroughly before winter arrives. Removing weeds by the root now means less work in spring and prevents unwanted growth through paving cracks and borders. Opt for eco-friendly weed killers if needed, but avoid spraying near other plants.

House Beautiful

Step 6: Start sweeping regularly

During autumn and winter, sweep your driveway, paths, and patios regularly to prevent the build-up of leaves and dirt. This helps reduce dampness and stops your paving from discolouring or becoming slippery due to condensation.

Thrive Gardening

Step 8: Planting for next year

One of the more enjoyable tasks during garden prep for winter is planting bulbs for spring. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and bluebells brighten the garden after the cold months and offer a lovely reminder of warmer days ahead.

Better Home & Gardens

Preparing your garden for winter doesn’t just protect it from damage; it also ensures that you can enjoy your outdoor spaces year-round and that your garden returns healthy and vibrant come spring.

If you want more advice on how to prepare your garden for winter or need tips on products for garden prep, visit your local friendly Howarth branch or contact customer services at 01472 907051.

For additional seasonal prep ideas, you can also check out our sister blog on how to prepare your home for winter here, and can even visit us in branch for more info.