Get Your Garden Ready For Winter

When the cold sets in and the dark nights creep earlier and earlier, it’s tempting to shut the back door and forget about the garden until spring. But putting in a little effort now can save you hours of work later on. 

Getting your garden ready for winter isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about protecting your plants, soil, tools and wildlife so everything can bounce back stronger when the weather warms up. 

From insulating pots and pruning shrubs to feeding hungry birds and checking your solar lights, there’s plenty you can do before the first hard frost hits. 

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to keep your garden thriving through the colder months. 

Quick winter garden checklist 

• Protect tender plants 

• Mulch beds and borders 

• Prune selected shrubs and trees 

• Clear leaves, clean tools, service mower 

• Drain hoses and insulate taps 

• Check lighting and paths for safety 

• Top up bird food and fresh water 

How to prepare your garden for winter 

Beds and borders 

Start by tidying your flower beds and borders. Cut back perennials where appropriate, removing any dead or diseased growth. Stake tall plants to prevent wind damage, and add a thick layer of mulch to protect roots and retain moisture. Mulching also helps improve soil structure for the spring, keeping your beds nourished and ready to flourish.  

Lawns 

Give your grass a final cut if it’s needed, but it’s best not to cut it too short, as it can help protect the roots from frost. Raking up leaves will help stop fungal problems, too. If the grass gets frosty or waterlogged, avoid stepping on it as it’ll compact the soil and damage the grass. 

Containers and pots 

Keep your pots off the ground to help with drainage. Grouping them in a sheltered spot can also help save them from being blown over. Bubble wrap can also help keep tender plants insulated. 

Greenhouse and shed 

Give your greenhouse panes a thorough clean to maximise light, and disinfect benches to stop pests and diseases from spreading. Check your heaters and heating cables are working properly for delicate plants. Make sure everything in the shed is tidy and kept secure during the cold winter months. 

Paths, decking and fences

Give your paths and decking a final clean to remove algae and moss. If there are any loose boards or stones, it’s worth fixing now so they can’t be blown away in strong winds. 

How to improve garden soil over winter 

Winter is a great time to feed and rejuvenate your soil. You could add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve structure, drainage, and nutrient content. Mulching beds and borders will help protect your plants in the winter months and enrich the soil as it breaks down. 

Should I leave dead plants in the garden over winter? 

Leaving dead plants in your garden over winter might not look great, but they’re great for shelter and food for insects or birds. But if certain plants are diseased or heavily infested, it’s best to get rid of them; otherwise, you’ll have a pest and fungus problem after winter. 

Do garden weeds die in winter?

Unfortunately, not all weeds will die in winter; some perennials will survive the frost and return in the summer. But some will succumb to the colder weather. It’s best to clean as much as you can in the autumn, making your job easier in the springtime.

Water, hoses and frost protection 

Can I leave my garden hose out all winter? 

It’s not the best idea to leave your garden hose out all winter. Water is likely sitting inside it, and when temperatures drop and it freezes, it can expand, causing the hose to crack. Frozen hoses also put pressure on your outside tap, sometimes causing leaks or bursts when everything thaws. 

The safest thing to do is drain your hose completely, coil it neatly and store it somewhere dry, like a shed or garage. While you’re at it, insulate your outdoor taps with a tap cover; it takes minutes and can save you from an expensive plumbing job later. 

Ponds and water features 

Ponds need a little winter TLC, too. Try to keep at least a small part of the surface ice-free so gases can escape; this helps fish and pond wildlife stay healthy through the cold months. A floating ball or a gentle pond heater can do the trick. 

Before winter really bites, clear fallen leaves with a debris net and check your pump or filter. Give them a clean and make sure they’re running smoothly, or store them if the model needs to be taken out over winter. Keeping things in good shape now means a much clearer, healthier pond come spring. 

Garden lighting: Do solar garden lights work in winter? 

Solar lights do work in winter, but shorter days and weaker sunlight mean they simply don’t charge as much. Most will run for fewer hours, especially after cloudy days. 

A few quick tweaks can help: 

• Make sure the panels face the sun as much as possible. 

• Wipe the panels every few weeks; dirt will cut charging power. 

• Move lights out from under trees or eaves where they’ll get even less daylight. 

Can you leave solar garden lights out in winter? 

In most cases, yes. Good-quality solar lights have decent IP ratings, so they’re designed to withstand outdoor use year-round. That said, if yours have a low IP rating or they’re on their last legs, bring them in to extend their life. 

Cold weather can also reduce battery efficiency. If you know a big freeze is coming, or you won’t be using the lights until spring, you can store them indoors after giving them a good clean and switching them off. 

Can you paint a garden fence in winter?

You can paint a fence in winter, but you need the right conditions. Most outdoor paints and stains need temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius and rising, plus a dry spell for at least a few hours before and after painting. That’s not always easy during a British winter. 

If you do get a mild, dry day, make sure the fence is clean and fully dry before you start. Choose a product that’s suitable for colder weather, ideally one with a quick recoat time. 

If the forecast is wet or freezing, wait for spring. Paint simply won’t adhere properly in damp, cold conditions, and you’ll just end up having to repaint sooner than you’d like. 

Feeding wildlife: What to feed garden birds in winter

Winter is the toughest season for garden birds, so offering the right food can make a huge difference. High-energy mixes are best, things like sunflower seeds, suet pellets, peanuts, and dried mealworms. These give birds the calories they need to stay warm. 

Keep your feeders clean to prevent disease, top them up regularly, and always provide fresh water for drinking and bathing. Put your feeders in a place where birds feel safe from cats and predators, ideally near a hedge or shrub for quick cover. 

Plant protection and cover 

Some plants will sail through winter without a fuss, but others need a little help. Fleece jackets, cloches and cold frames create a cosy microclimate around tender plants, protecting them from frost and icy winds. Windbreak netting is also useful in exposed gardens to stop cold winds from scorching foliage. 

For borderline-hardy favourites like tree ferns, wrap the trunk with fleece or hessian and pack the crown with straw or dry leaves. This keeps the most vulnerable growing point warm so the plant can regenerate in spring. A small amount of protection now can save you from heartache later. 

Common winter mistakes to avoid 

Even the most experienced gardeners slip up during winter prep. Here are a few things to watch out for: 

• Leaving hoses, watering cans or outdoor taps full of water, they’ll likely freeze, expand and crack. 

• Cutting back everything too early, some plants prefer to be left alone until spring. 

• Ignoring drainage areas, these soggy parts might cause bigger problems later on. 

• Letting tools rust, a quick clean and oiling might stop the need for replacements in the new year. 

Recommended winter tools and supplies

Winter gardening doesn’t need a vast amount of equipment, but the right bits will make it a bit easier. Whitaker’s Garden Centre stocks these useful items:

• Fleece, cloches and bubble wrap to protect tender plants 

• Mulch, compost and bark to insulate beds and enrich the soil

• Hand tools like secateurs, loppers and a sturdy rake 

• Tap covers and pip insulation 

• Brushes and outdoor cleaner for paths and decking 

• Bird feeds and high-energy food 

When to do what: UK Timeline 

• Late Autumn (October to November): Clear leaves, mulch and protect tender plants. 

• Early winter (December): Check lights, wildlife care, and maintenance. 

• Mid-late winter (January and February): Prune selected species, plan your spring planting and condition your soil. 

Need a hand? Visit Whitakers Garden Centre 

Getting your garden winter-ready doesn’t have to be a chore you dread, and with the help of Whitakers Garden Centre, you can protect your plants and care for wildlife and your outdoor spaces through the colder months. 

Pop in and browse our full range of winter essentials, where our friendly team are there to offer advice and recommend the right products for your garden. 

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