After the surprise freeze on Tuesday, we can be in no doubt that winter’s icy breath is drawing closer.
- If you’re wrapped up warm and can dodge the showers, it can be a lovely time of the year to be in and about the garden and there’s still plenty to do.
- Improve the soil by adding mulch, manure and/ or compost and keep digging
- Prune apple and pear trees by removing dead, dying or diseased wood and aim for an open goblet shape
- Give your tools some TLC by cleaning and treat them to some oil
- Clip any hedges that you have so that they look smart through the winter months
- Clean gutters and clear ponds of the last of autumn’s leaves
- Cut back perennials, compost and check if they need dividing
- Lift dahlia tubers and remove foliage before storing dry over winter
- Reassure yourself that spring is not too far away by noticing the daffodil shoots pushing through
- Be ruthless with buddleia that has self-seeded, while bees and butterflies love it, it is highly invasive, so think about how many plants you really want
- Spring bulbs are now half their original price and it’s not too late to plant them so see what bargains you can find
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