Autumn is has ended as we smell wood fires wafting through the streets and the cool nights shorten. What does this mean for your garden? Rain, hopefully. Mud, potentially. Thunder, likely. Here are 5 tips to ensure your garden is ready for winter weather conditions.
1. GUTTERS AND DRAINS
To prevent the overflow of rainfall, you will need to have empty, clean gutters. This can be a dangerous task without the correct tools and safety equipment, best to let the trained and experienced do this for you. Once or twice yearly (depending on leaf coverage), will ensure your gutters keep a steady flow directing the water to its designed destination. Full gutters and drains could lead to overflowing, flooding and in server situations can break down parts of your building.
2. WEEDS
The best time to treat winter weeds is actually during Winter. Weeding before (Autumn) is not counterproductive, but the idea is to prevent the weeds from germination. If you leave them too long, they will drop seeds nearing the end of winter, coming back bigger than ever the next season.
Frosty morning encourage fear that the activity in your garden has halted. There is still plenty of life happening underground. It is always a good idea to replace or replenish the last seasons mulch as it keeps the soil warmer and discourages weed growth.
Similarly, its important to rejuvenate your lawn in preparation for cooler months too. Aerating your grass helps improve drainage and it ensures rain reaches deeper roots- encouraging healthy green lawns. Covering soil areas with mulch, and Aerating will both reduce weeds for cooler months; allowing all the nutrients to target your lovely garden and lawn.
3. SEASONAL FLOWERS AND HERBS
Cold wintery weather can be bleak. Don’t let these dreary days void your garden of colour and life.
Parts of Tasmania and Victoria, even in these colder climates, allow a variety of herbs and winter vegetables.
| FLOWERS | HERBS | VEGGIES |
| Violas Pansies Hardenbergia Polyanthus Paper daisies Lavender | Coriander Chives Lemongrass Mint Oregano Rosemary Thyme Shallots | Broccoli Beetroot Zucchini Carrots Cabbage Pumpkin Onion Sweet Potato |
Many of these herbs and flowers will also do very well on a window ledge where sunlight reaches. Perhaps there’s a conveniently empty kitchen ledge, needing some taste, colour and loving.
4. OUTDOOR HEATING INSTALLED
What better way to be winter ready then to set up your back yard with outdoor heating? Making evening entertaining comfortable as you admire the stars above your glorious garden. There’s plenty of research that can go into choosing the ideal heating system for you. Dependant on weight, height, heat, gas, electricity and even style.
5. WATERPROOF DECK / OUTDOOR STAIRS
Leading up to Winter, it is important that everything that may be weather affected, is waterproof. This will save you destruction, deterioration, and money! There are many ways to waterproof your home. Here are three to get you thinking:
1. Sump pump.
This helps prevent flooding after heavy rain. It pumps the water out of your lower ground, reducing the risk of mould and other mildew. Sump Pumps can also be used in heavy conditions to quickly de-flood.
2. Waterproof paint.
Re-apply waterproof paint to wooden staircases and railings to help prevent mould build up. You can find this paint at your local hardware store.
3. Liquid Rubber.
Liquid Rubber is a great DIY product which requires only one application and involves minimal mess. Safe to use and environmentally friendly.
Preparing your garden for winter is relatively straightforward and will mean that you have the best chance of enjoying thriving blooms come spring. Hopefully you are Now more aware of things that should be looked at before the rainy season! Our Pulse home Service team can provide help with all your gardening and landscaping needs!
