Sub-zero temperatures have created a beautiful blanket of frost and snow across the UK in the last week. But with conditions set to return to a mild and wet Christmas, there are a number of things gardeners need to consider to prevent further weather damage to gardens…
Keep off the grass
While it’s tempting to enjoy your own winter wonderland from home, frozen grass is especially susceptible to damage since the blades can easily snap if stepped on.
So, avoid venturing on your grass while there is frost present to prevent a patchy lawn once the frost thaws.
If you have a decent layer of snow, this should be fine to walk on. Just take care to not churn up the snow too much to protect your grass.
Dust off heavy snow on plants
As the temperature slowly creeps up, snow will begin to gently thaw. This is when snow is at its heaviest and can cause the most damage to your plants.
Best to knock any heavy piles of snow off your evergreen bushes and plants now to avoid broken branches and stems.
You should also be wary of melting snow which could refreeze should temperatures dip overnight. Avoid watering your plants with melted snow since icy cold water can shock plant roots and cause further damage.
Remove excess snow from grass
A heavy snowfall, while beautiful, can wreak havoc on lawns – especially if they’ve not been fully prepped ahead of the winter season.
Lawns with grass that has been left to grow long or soil that has become too compacted are the most at risk of developing snow mould. This type of mould can look grey or pink in colour and can kill patches of grass, leaving you with a discoloured lawn come spring.
The best way to prevent this is by gently shovelling off excess snow or leaf debris to reduce the chance of moisture building up.
If you think your grass may have snow mould, give your lawn a light raking to help aerate the soil as well as overseeding to help promote new growth.
Direct wildlife to other areas
Winter is a difficult time for UK wildlife, particularly during a cold snap when food is scarce. So, it’s a good idea to welcome them into your garden to help them survive the harsh conditions.
However, if you don’t want animals munching on your prized plants, it’s best to direct their attention to feeding stations to protect your garden come spring.
Prune back damaged plants
Prolonged cold weather can take its toll on your garden, so it’s essential you remove any dead plants or growth to improve the health of your existing plants once the frost thaws.
The newest additions to your garden will be the most at risk of winter damage and can leave new roots exposed. Take care to compact newly planted flora by pushing them back into the soil and sprinkling an extra layer of compost for added protection.
And if you do notice one or two split stems, don’t panic! You can help plants heal with a bit of florist tape and staking them as a makeshift splint.
Comments by Matt Jordan, Gardening Expert for The Greenhouse People