IT’S finally here. Frost has hit and temperatures are dropping fast.
But while it might look like it’s gone into hibernation, your outside space is actually busy doing some very important jobs and shouldn’t be ignored.
Bulbs are quietly working away at creating a deeper root system, as the cold temperature brings on chemical changes that prepare them for Spring growth.
Clever perennial plants know it's time to go dormant – to stop growing and conserve energy – but under the surface their roots are also digging deeper.
Some conifers keep on growing during the winter months, and evergreens provide a winter oasis for wildlife.
So to give your outside space a helping hand while all this secret underground science is taking place, there’s a few tasks you can do now to make sure that when Spring comes, it’s ready to grow forth and multiply again.
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PREP WORK
Late fall's the best time for a key gardening job – it'll mean growth next year
MOVE AND WRAP
It's best to put pots on stands or remove any saucers they’re standing in – no one likes a freezing bottom.
And you can even give them a cosy coat of bubblewrap for insulation.
Move them to more sheltered spots, and bring the most tender plants inside.
COSY COATS
Another way to protect your plants is with garden fleece.
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I just cut my two towering banana plants right back and wrapped them up, securing with twine – to prevent a similar catastrophe to last year when an unexpected hard frost turned them, along with my two favourite Cordylines, to absolute mush.
CUT BACKS
Perennials need to be cut back – last week I was happily chopping back my Gaura and Crocosmia – which probably should have been done earlier, but with no serious frost until this week, I figured it didn’t really matter.
And cut back any plants where leaves are trailing on the ground turning slimy.
MULCH IT
Mulching is one of the most important jobs right now – which keeps the earth moist, prevents annoying weeds and generally improves the soil structure – breaking down over time to provide nutrients.
Biodegradable mulches include well rotted manure, wood chippings, garden compost and leafmould, but you can also use colourful gravels and pebbles.
The best depth is around 2-4 inches – like a deep nourishing duvet. Dreamy.
CLEAN AND TIDY
It's a good time to tidy up your greenhouse. You can, if you’re planning on overwintering seeds, insulate it – a top tip is to simply use bubblewrap and pegs – budget but effective.
And while you’re at it, have a clean of your tools – there’s all sorts of guides online.
PRUNE
Its also time to hard prune hedges and bushes while they’re dormant, and cut back climbing roses.
FEED THE BIRDS
And finally, hang some bird feeders around, so our feathered friends also have a belly full over the festive season.
Happy Planting!
HI, I’m Veronica Lorraine, The Sun’s new Gardening Editor.
It’s a great honour to carry on the paper’s proud tradition of horticultural coverage.
As an RHS-trained professional gardener and journalist with 18 years at The Sun, I know our readers are passionate about tending their outside spaces.
So each week I’ll bring you all the news, tips, tutorials, competitions, Q&As and seasonal advice.
No matter how or where you garden.
Happy Planting!
COLD SNAP
Now its officially December it’s perfectly ok to mention the John Lewis ‘Snapper’ Ad – and what a surprise it was for the whole horticultural industry!
Who’d have thought a carniverous plant would feature in a heartwarming Christmas commercial.
Sales have spiked by 2,000 per cent so if you’re lucky enough to find one under your tree, here’s some facts worth knowing.
Amazingly, they’re only native to a 75-mile radius around Wilmington, North Carolina. And yes, they do eat insects, but they don’t just snap shut for anything.
To avoid false alarms they’ll only close if two hairs are touched in succession, within seconds of each other. Once they’ve nabbed their prey, the trap doesn’t open for 10-12 days.
Perfect for a sunny windowsill, they’re a fab gift for children. Use rainwater, not tap water, and keep the soil moist.
SNAP ONE UP
YouGarden are currently offering Sun readers the chance to buy Venus Fly Traps for £9.99 instead of £14.99. Just use the code VERON100 at www.yougarden.com
MAKE YOUR OWN
If you’re feeling crafty, now’s the time to save pennies on a shop bought wreath, and just create your own.
Wreath workshops can cost an absolute fortune – but there’s always advice online.
Use the evergreens from your garden, or ask family, friends or neighbours if you can raid their gardens.
It's also worth keeping an eye out for distinctive seed heads throughout the year that might work.
Holly, ivy, pine cones, bay leaves, eucalyptus, even a bit of Christmas tree are all top additions.
CHEAP TREES
Which? has revealed that the cheapest cut Christmas trees this year are from Lidl and Aldi.
A medium (160-180cm) Nordman tree is £16.99 and a large tree (190-210cm) is £24.99. Both available now.
TOP TIP
Tie a belt, or something similar, around just under the top lip of your terracotta pots to prevent them from cracking when the temperatures dip below freezing.
JOBS FOR THIS WEEK
You can sow broad beans direct into the ground under cloches – check the packets to make sure you have December-sowing varieties.
SAVE!!
When it comes to pruning back your garden, splash the cash on these stunning Niwaki Garden Shears at £79.00 (right) or go for Garden Trading’s sturdy Hawkesbury Shears in Ash, at £21 (left)
LEARN!!
Q. How do I get rid of Ivy and will it kill the seedlings? George Partridge.
A . Some experts recommend using a spray combination of 4.5litres of apple or white vinegar, a tablespoon of salt and a squirt of liquid soap like Ecover.
But that can pollute and kill other seedlings nearby so if you don’t need the area for planting, wait until Spring and then dig up all stems and woody roots, and lay weed control fabric, or a thick layer of woodbark, and leave for two growing seasons.
If you must use weedkiller, find one with Glyphosphate and triclopyr.
WIN!
Just in time for Christmas, we’ve got FIVE amazing Flymo Hover Vac 270 Corded Hover Lawnmower’s to give away thanks to B&Q.
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WILKOME BACK!
Wilko shops RETURN to high street today in time for Xmas – see list of stores
Go to www.thesun.co.uk/Flymocomp or via post to Sun Flymo Competition PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Include your name, age, email or phone. T&Cs apply. Ends 16/12/2023 18+, UK only.
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