Many people avoid working in the garden during the winter months as the ground is usually too hard to dig and the weather is unpredictable but there are some tasks that can be done so that when spring arrives the garden is ready for planting again.
Winter jobs tend to be about cutting back and tidying shrubs and plants. Although hard pruning is not advisable in the winter a trim is fine. Be careful that you do not cut off branches that already have the buds for next year’s flowers though as shrubs such as hydrangea will not flower if pruned now.
Removing dead plants from pots and planters is a job that could be done and will make sure that the pots on the patio are ready for replanting in the spring. Take care not to disturb any bulbs that may be starting to sprout as snowdrops and crocuses flower in late winter.
Sweeping up fallen leaves in the garden can help the lawn to stay looking good and allows the light to get to the grass. Most lawns do not need to be cut during winter but can be aerated with a garden fork to prevent them from becoming waterlogged and muddy.