Itching to get back into the garden? Although winter is generally considered the quietest season for those of a green-fingered persuasion, there’s still plenty you can do to make sure your outside space is ready for what’s to come. Our handy guide will help you make the most of your downtime and lay the groundwork for a successful spring and summer.
Clear Flower Beds and Borders
Start things off by tidying your borders, flower beds, and vegetable plots. Removing dead leaves and debris from these areas is the first step to getting them ready for a new planting cycle. Make sure to discard any dead (but healthy) organic matter into your compost pile, taking care to dispose of any weeds or infected plant life alongside your other green waste.
Prepare & Refresh the Soil
Once your borders are clear, if your soil is workable, you should dig in a layer of organic matter to ensure it is properly enriched in time for future planting. If you don’t have a compost area, now is the perfect time to create one. You can either buy a purpose-built compost container or make your own, adding things such as grass clippings, cardboard, paper, and twigs to the mix as you go. Be sure to turn your compost with a fork every few weeks to help it along.
Container plants should either be repotted annually or every 1.5-2 years, depending on their needs. If your potted plant looks unhealthy or is struggling to grow, it’s probably time to repot it and replace its soil. This is best done between February and May.
Weed out Garden Pests
Next, you should check your perennials and leftover summer bedding for any slugs, aphids, and white vine weevil larvae. If they aren’t caught and removed, these common pests can cause some serious plant-growth problems, from destroying root systems to feasting on your plant’s stems and leaves.
Collect Rainwater
Make the most of winter’s heavy rainfall by installing a water butt. This environmentally friendly approach to water harvesting will allow you to collect and store resources for future use and help reduce water companies’ reliance on reserves. What’s more, rainwater is actually better for plants than other types of water, because it is free from added chemicals and contains essential nutrients that support growth.
Check on your Trellises, Fences, and Gates
Save yourself a summer job by inspecting your garden structures for any signs of decay, weather damage, or general wear and tear before winter turns to spring. Checking for issues before the seasons change will allow you to properly assess what needs to be done and complete repairs ahead of the warmer weather. Check out our full range of fences, gates, and trellises if you are looking to add a new structure to your garden.
Feed the Birds (and Other Wildlife!)
Staying inside is a luxury that many creatures don’t have. While you’re waiting for the sun to return, you can make your garden visitors’ lives easier by keeping feeders well stocked and providing fresh water. This can help wildlife survive in the colder months and keep your garden full of life during this quieter period.
Give your Tools Some TLC
A gardener is only as good as their tools. Spend some time tending to your spades, trowels, forks, and secateurs while you can. Cleaning your tools with a mix of detergent and hot water is recommended, as is sharpening and oiling them to guarantee top performance. While you’re in the shed or the garage, it may also be worth taking stock of your tools and downsizing or upgrading based on what you find.
Reposition Dormant Shrubs
With your shrubs still in a resting state, now is the time to reposition. Be sure to dig them out with care and try to preserve as much of their roots as possible when transporting them to their new location. When replanting your shrubs, do your best to keep the soil at the same level it was before.
Order Some New Planters
With your garden almost ready to go, the final thing you need to do is think about where your potted plants are going to call home. At Taylor Made, we have a stunning range of planters and plant containers in a selection of durable, weather-resistant and eye-catching styles to help you breathe new life into your garden as 2026 starts to bloom.
For more gardening tips and further information about our product range, visit the Taylor Made blog.
