For all you keen gardeners out there, last spring no doubt feels like a very distant memory. You are now entering what is known as the dormant season of gardening, which can make gardeners feel a little blue. Here are some winter gardening tips to help you get through winter.

But fear not!

There are still plenty of jobs you can do in preparation for next year's spring; winter gardening. This includes keeping your lawn in good order, looking after your all-year-round shrubs, maintaining any patio or greenhouse areas, and enjoying the fun of planning what you want to grow next spring.

A specific project you can start during the winter gardening months is developing a compost heap or bin. The winter is an especially good time for this, and a great use for all the leaves in the garden. This way, your compost heap will be in good shape for the warmer months.

You could also use this time to give your gardening tools and accessories a little TLC. After all, they have probably been through a lot over the spring and summer months. The winter months are the ideal time to clean your tools and ensure they will be in good condition for the spring. You could even treat yourself to some new tools!

Winter gardening tips

WInter isn't always the time you want to be out in the cold, but there are some essential things you need have done to winterise your garden. Of course, garden design can help with this but also, so practical steps will see you through too:

  • It's always best to let snow and ice melt naturally but don't forget to brush any heavy snow from delicate plants or precarious branches
  • Keep the birds fed - it's a hard time for birds, so don't forget the fat balls! Make sure to include these in your garden design
  • While not strictly speaking about the garden itself - make sure you look after your pipes and hoses, so they don't burst.
  • Start thinking about Spring. Now's a great time to start planning for warmer weather!

Still need some more tips? The National Trust know a thing or two!

A time for something new

This time of the year is great for making the most of the extra time you have on your hands. Instead of sitting in front of the telly, why not consider a distance learning course through Oxbridge? Distance learning also means you can learn without venturing out into the chilly winter evening. What better way to wait out the cold weather than snuggled up indoors learning new things?

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow

- Audrey Hepburn

Believe in YOUR tomorrow

If you want to study a course relevant to your passion, try the Garden Design Level 3 course. As well as providing more insight into gardening techniques, this course could also lead to a career in landscape gardening, as you will learn the business skills and horticultural abilities for this job. Just remember to keep an eye on those weeds!

On this Garden Design Level 3 course you will:

  • Develop additional business and customer service skills required to run a successful garden design business
  • Explore horticultural requirements
  • Develop the knowledge and understanding of selected skills in garden design and maintenance